Help to Buy (HTB) scheme
What is a qualifying property?
To qualify for the Help to Buy (HTB) Scheme, the property you purchase or self-build must be:
The property must never have been used, or have been suitable for use, as a residential home. If the property was non-residential, but has been converted for residential use, it may qualify for HTB. If you purchase or self-build the property as an investment, it does not qualify for HTB.
Purchase value
The purchase value of a new build means the full Open Market Value (OMV) of the property. This is usually the price you purchased it for, unless you paid a reduced price for the property. The full OMV is the purchase value used for the purposes of HTB, in all cases. The purchase value of the property must be €500,000 or less to qualify for HTB.
Approved valuation
If you are self-building a property, the approved valuation is the valuation of the property approved by the lender at the time you took out the mortgage. The approved valuation must be €500,000 or less to qualify for HTB.
Mortgage
You must take out your mortgage on the property with a qualifying lender. This loan must only be used for purchasing, or self-building, the property. The loan must be at least:
- 70% of the purchase value
- or
- 70% of the approved valuation.
This is known as the loan to value ratio.
You are allowed to have a guarantor on the loan. The guarantor does not need to be a first-time purchaser.
Next: How much can you claim?