The FHS can fund up to 30% of the property purchase price or build cost (for Self-builds)

This amount is reduced to 20% if you are availing of the Help to Buy Scheme (HTB). Details of HTB can be found on the Revenue’s website (www.revenue.ie), and examples, including the HTB can be found in the Homebuyers Guide on the Guides/Resources page

The minimum equity share is 2.5% of the property purchase price or build cost (for self-builds), or €10,000, whichever is higher

The FHS is a shared equity scheme

Available for qualifying properties

Local authority area price ceilings apply

• Property price ceilings are reviewed on a biannual basis and are subject to change. Ceilings were last updated in early 2026, with increases across 17 local authority areas. Please refer to the First Home Scheme price ceiling page for the most up-to-date figures for your area.

Not a loan

Get up to 30% of the property purchase price or build cost (for self-builds)

Service charges apply from year six:

• 1.75% for years 6 to 15
• 2.15% for years 16 to 29
• 2.85% for years 30 and over

For example, a customer is provided with €20k from the scheme for a home costing €200k, therefore the equity share is 10%

After a number of years and assuming there are no redemptions in the interim, the home is now worth €300k due to property price inflation. The equity share held by the First Home Scheme is still 10%, meaning that the euro amount owed to the First Home Scheme is now €30k

Using the same example if house prices decease in the same period and the property is now worth €100K, the euro amount owed to the First Home Scheme is now €10k

From the customer’s perspective the euro amount may increase or decrease, as the equity is linked directly to the value of the home. The customer is no worse or better off, as the percentage equity remains the same throughout (this assumes they have made no redemptions over the intervening years – if they have, the equity amount owed reduces)

There will be no interest charged (equity product)

After year 5 of ownership, there will be an annual service charge (sliding scale) which customers can choose to pay or roll up as part of the equity:

• 1.75% for years 6 to 15
• 2.15% for years 16 to 29
• 2.85% for years 30 and over

The service charge is based on simple interest % of initial capital deployed and reduces as capital is redeemed

There are 4 scenarios under which redemption of the equity facility and charges will be required:

• A sale of the property at any time post purchase
• The property is no longer your PPR (Principal Private Residence)
• You re-mortgage with a lender who is not a member of the scheme
• The death of the owner/owners where the property is subject to probate

The equity can be partially or fully redeemed by the customer at any time, based on the percentage of equity held by the FHS, calculated on the value of the property at the time of redemption.

At the time of full or partial redemption, a valuation will be required. A valuation is valid for 12 months. The minimum redemption is 5% of the original equity amount (except for the last repayment).

WARNING: The First Home Scheme is not regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and the equity product is not governed by the Central Bank and its statutory codes of conduct and/or other regulations, including the Consumer Protection Code.

Customers receive annual statements and can contact the FHS directly via the customer portal at firsthomescheme.ie.

Email our expert mortgage advisors at [email protected]

LoCall: 0818 183033