Extension of First Home Scheme to second-hand homes unlikely to feature in Budget 2026, says Taoiseach

"Micheál Martin says there will be a focus on getting families out of emergency accommodation"

"The First Home Scheme is unlikely to be extended to second-hand homes in next month's Budget, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said."

"Housing and building targets were a major feature of the general election campaign, and a commitment to expand the First Home Scheme to first-time buyers of second-hand homes was included in the Programme for Government."

Priority will be placed on getting families out of emergency accommodation. The First Home Scheme is unlikely to be extended to second-hand homes in next month's Budget. Housing and building targets were prominent in the general election campaign. The Programme for Government included a commitment to expand the First Home Scheme to first-time buyers of second-hand homes. The upcoming Budget will defer that expansion while directing resources toward reducing homelessness and emergency accommodation reliance. Policy focus will emphasize immediate housing needs and delivery of supply targets rather than broadening first-time buyer incentives for second-hand properties.

Read at Independent