Help to Buy can be worth up to EUR 30,000 towards your deposit on a new home. Here is how the application process works from start to finish.
You must be a first-time buyer purchasing or self-building a new property priced at or below EUR 500,000, with a mortgage of at least 70% of the purchase price. Use our free HTB calculator to see your estimated relief.
The application is made through Revenue's myAccount. You will need to verify your first-time buyer status, enter the property details, and have your solicitor and mortgage provider confirm the transaction. The refund is paid to your solicitor to apply towards the deposit.
The application process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from start to finish. You can apply before you sign contracts, but the claim is only finalised once your solicitor and mortgage provider verify the transaction. The refund is paid directly to your solicitor, who puts it towards your deposit at closing.
If you are building your own home, HTB works slightly differently. You draw down the relief in stages as the build progresses. The total site and build cost must not exceed EUR 500,000, and you must take out a qualifying mortgage of at least 70% of the total cost. Keep all invoices and receipts from contractors.
Sarah is buying a new-build apartment in Dublin for EUR 380,000 with a EUR 304,000 mortgage (80% loan-to-value). HTB relief: 10% of EUR 380,000 = EUR 38,000, capped at EUR 30,000. Sarah receives EUR 30,000 towards her deposit, reducing her cash deposit from EUR 76,000 to EUR 46,000.
Disclaimer: This information reflects the 2026 tax year. Tax rules change annually following the Budget. Check Revenue.ie for the latest rates and thresholds. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice.