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01 Oct 2025

Louth councillor seeks new scheme to support first-time buyers of second-hand home

Cllr Kerley has raised the need for alternative solutions to provide first time buyers of second-hand homes with support

Louth councillor seeks new scheme to support first-time buyers of second-hand home

Cllr Kerley has raised the need for alternative solutions to provide first time buyers of second-hand homes with support

Reporter:

Donard McCabe

01 Oct 2025 1:33 PM

Mid-Louth local representative Cllr Rachel Kerley has called for alternative solutions to the Help to Buy scheme, to help provide first time buyers of second-hand homes with support.
 
Cllr Kerley said that while the Help to Buy scheme has assisted many young people in purchasing their first home, it currently excludes a cohort of buyers who can only access the housing market through second-hand homes.
 
“There are various reasons why a second-hand home may be the only viable option for first-time buyers,” Cllr Kerley explained. “Yet these hopeful homeowners are at a distinct disadvantage as they are not entitled to the supports that are available to those purchasing new or self-builds.”
 
The Fine Gael councillor continued: “Currently aspiring homeowners who wish to access the Help to Buy Scheme – which gives a tax rebate of up to €30,000 – are only able to avail of this support if they are purchasing a new-build with a value of less than €500,000. This means that first-time buyers of second-hand homes are at a disadvantage and are precluded from this scheme.”
 
While acknowledging concerns previously raised of extending the Help to Buy Scheme to second-hand homes, risking inflating house prices, Cllr Kerley said she has written to Minister John Cummins and Minister Paschal Donoghue proposing that government explore alternative measures, such as a voucher scheme.
 
This support could help first-time buyers of second-hand homes purchase essential household goods & appliances, she believes.
 
“Such a scheme would not only give new homeowners a much-needed hand up as they begin their new chapter, but it would also provide a boost to the local economy by directing spending into local businesses and services,” Cllr Rachel Kerley added.
 
"I have written to the Minister to engage in discussions on the issue and to ensure that first-time buyers of second-hand homes are not left behind in housing policy. There is a commitment in the programme for the government to retain and revise the Help to Buy, and I welcome any revisions to the scheme, but we must do something."
 
Cllr Kerley further added that “We can and must do more to all support first-time buyers including those purchasing second-hand homes”.

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