Housing Minister Reviews Support Caps for First-Time Buyers

The caps on government supports designed to assist first-time homebuyers are currently under review, according to James Browne, the housing minister. His comments came during the official launch of new homes at Barracksfield West in Naas, Co Kildare. Prices for affordable housing initiatives begin at €243,477 for one-bedroom apartments, €292,933 for two-bedroom duplexes, and €365,216 for three-bedroom houses.

Browne addressed concerns regarding limitations on State-backed mortgages, which restrict the types of homes that can be purchased. For instance, it was highlighted that homes in Naas were listed at €370,000 for a three-bedroom property, while the cap for State-backed mortgages under the local authority home loan scheme stands at €360,000 in Co Kildare.

Assessment of Housing Support Schemes

Browne stated that the government is actively reviewing all housing schemes to ensure they meet the needs of first-time buyers. He emphasized the importance of determining the “correct level” of grants and supports, stating that it is vital for individuals to be able to afford homes within their local communities.

He remarked, “A lot of those schemes that were launched are very good schemes, but perhaps what I have to ensure now is that they all thread together, that they all have affordability on the spectrum, that everybody can be able to afford a home that they need.”

Browne underscored the necessity of examining the local authority home loan scheme, asserting that it can achieve much more. He advocated for simplifying the application process to enhance accessibility for potential buyers. “To deliver homes, we need to simplify everything,” he explained.

Current Housing Market Data

Recent data revealed that there were 1,441 commencement notices for new homes lodged in October 2023. This figure marks the second-highest monthly total of the year, following 1,653 notices in September. However, these numbers fall short of the 5,062 notices recorded in October of the previous year. In total, there have been 11,634 notices submitted this year.

When considering a rolling 12-month period from November 2024 to October 2025, the total number of commencement notices stands at 23,599. Of the units commenced in October, 574 (40%) were classified as scheme dwellings, 510 (35%) as apartments, and 357 (25%) as one-off units.

Geographically, 31% of the units commenced in October were located within the four Dublin local authorities. Dublin City topped the list with 245 units, followed by Fingal with 175 and Cork City with 133. Throughout this year, Dublin City has seen the highest number of units commenced at 2,053, with Cork County following at 1,089 and Fingal at 911.

Browne’s remarks and the ongoing review of support caps reflect the government’s commitment to addressing housing affordability concerns, a critical issue for many prospective homeowners in Ireland.