Ennis Auctioneer Claims Help To Buy Scheme Ineffective In Clare

An Ennis-based auctioneer fears extending the Help To Buy scheme to second-hand homes could exacerbate the housing supply crisis. The scheme, which was introduced in 2020, allows first-time buyers to claim up to €30,000 or 10% of the value of their home back through tax and is aimed and stimulating housing supply. Following suggestions from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil backbenchers that the scheme could be extended to second-hand homes, Minister for Finance Michael McGrath has said there are "no plans" to do so. Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon in Ennis says allowing those purchasing second-hand homes to avail of the scheme wouldn't get to the root of the supply issue.