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Irish Examiner
18-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Under 3% of recipients have had to return Help to Buy payment
Less than 3% of first-time buyers utilising the Help to Buy (HTB) scheme over the last five years have had to either return the assistance payment or have Revenue claw it back over failing to meet the criteria, the finance minister has said. The HTB scheme was first introduced in January 2017 in order to help support first-time buyers to either buy a newly-built house or apartment or self build a new home. The scheme gives a refund of income tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax paid in Ireland over the previous four years in order to help purchase the home. The scheme only applies to properties that cost €500,000 or less and the buyer must live in the property as their primary residence. In response to a parliamentary question on the matter, finance minister Paschal Donohoe said that in order to avail of the HTB payment, a home must be occupied for a minimum period of five years by the first-time buyer as their only main residence. 'Where this condition is not met the HTB payment has to be repaid to Revenue,' the minister said. Where occupation ceases within the five-year period, the HTB claimant is required to notify Revenue accordingly. 'The HTB payment will also have to be repaid to Revenue if, in the case of a self build, the property is not completed within two years of receiving the HTB payment or where it transpires that the claimant was not entitled to claim a HTB payment,' he said. Mr Donohoe said that he has been advised by Revenue that there has been 36,139 HTB scheme claims processed between 2019 and 2024, of which 934 claimants did not meet the relevant criteria, approximately 2.6%, and 'either had the claim clawed back or voluntarily cancelled their claim and returned the payment in the same period'. To qualify for the scheme, a claimant must take out a mortgage which must be at least 70% of the purchase value of the newly built property or the valuation approved by the mortgage provider if the mortgage is for someone building their own home. Under the scheme, a claimant can get relief to the tune of €30,000 or 10% of the market value of a new build property, or approved valuation of a self build property, whichever one is lower.
Irish Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Irish property expert's guide for first-time home buyers
Buying your first home in Ireland is a major milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. The market has seen sharp price increases, limited supply, and stringent lending rules. But first-time buyers can navigate the process, with actionable strategies, creative deposit-saving methods, and insights into the challenges you're likely to face—and how to overcome them. Here's my guide on how to do it. In recent years, Ireland's housing market has been defined by high demand and insufficient housing supply. This has driven prices up, particularly in Dublin, Cork, and Galway. As a first-time buyer, it's crucial to approach the market with a clear plan and flexibility on location and property type. In 2025, the average house price nationally hovers around €340,000, while Dublin remains significantly higher. Government schemes and lender supports are available, but securing a property still requires significant preparation. Mortgage lending in Ireland is governed by Central Bank rules: For example, a couple earning €80,000 annually could borrow up to €320,000. This means a 10% deposit (around €33,000 on a €330,000 home) is required upfront—one of the biggest hurdles for new buyers. Saving for a deposit in a high-rent environment is tough. Here are some effective and creative strategies to speed things up: Use the Help to Buy (HTB) Scheme This government incentive offers up to €30,000 (or 10% of the property value) toward the deposit for new builds. It's available to first-time buyers purchasing properties up to €500,000. Open a First Home Scheme (FHS) Account The First Home Scheme is a shared equity scheme where the state takes a stake in your home (up to 30%) to help reduce the upfront cost. It's ideal for buyers struggling to bridge the affordability gap. Save with the Credit Union or Revolut Vaults Credit Unions often offer competitive saving rates, and digital tools like Revolut's Vaults feature allow you to round up purchases and automate micro-savings. Side Hustles and passive income Renting out a room, freelancing, or monetising hobbies can add extra monthly savings. Ireland's Rent-a-Room Relief allows you to earn up to €14,000 tax-free annually if you rent out a room in your home. Cut costs creatively Temporarily moving home with family, flat-sharing, or even taking a short-term job abroad with a higher salary (and lower living costs) can rapidly increase your savings. Once your finances are in order, use the following strategies to compete successfully: Get Mortgage Approval in Principle (AIP) early Most estate agents and sellers will expect you to have AIP before viewing. It shows you're a serious buyer and gives you a clear idea of your budget. Work with a mortgage broker A broker can access multiple lenders, secure better rates, and help you navigate paperwork—particularly useful if you're self-employed or have a variable income. Be flexible and open-minded First homes don't have to be forever homes. Consider areas with good transport links or upcoming regeneration. Buying a smaller or older property with renovation potential can also be a savvy long-term play. Time the market While it's difficult to predict perfect timing, markets often see more listings in spring and autumn. Off-peak months (such as December) might offer less competition. Save your deposit: Aim for more than 10% to cover legal and moving costs. Rising house prices Prices may outpace savings. Use schemes like HTB and FHS, and adjust expectations (e.g., buying slightly outside your ideal location). Lack of supply New developments and government-backed housing schemes often have reserved quotas for first-time buyers—register early and stay in contact with developers. Strict lending rules Improve your credit score by avoiding overdrafts, clearing debts, and demonstrating consistent savings behaviour. High rent while saving Consider temporary solutions, such as living with family, relocating to a cheaper area, or taking remote work opportunities to reduce living costs. Purchasing a home involves careful research, financial planning, and well-informed choices. By following these steps and seeking advice when needed, you can embark on your journey to homeownership with the necessary assurance and confidence. If you're considering buying a new home and need to sell your current property quickly, We Buy Any House will help you sell your house in as little as 3 days. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
HomeTrust Bancshares Full Year 2024 Earnings: EPS Beats Expectations
Revenue: US$193.4m (up 4.7% from FY 2023). Net income: US$54.3m (down 3.4% from FY 2023). Profit margin: 28% (down from 30% in FY 2023). The decrease in margin was driven by higher expenses. EPS: US$3.21 (down from US$3.34 in FY 2023). Non-performing loans: 0.76% (up from 0.53% in FY 2023). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Revenue was in line with analyst estimates. Earnings per share (EPS) surpassed analyst estimates by 2.2%. In the last 12 months, the only revenue segment was Banking contributing US$193.4m. The largest operating expense was General & Administrative costs, amounting to US$103.1m (74% of total expenses). Explore how HTB's revenue and expenses shape its earnings. Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 4.1% p.a. on average during the next 2 years, compared to a 7.4% growth forecast for the Banks industry in the US. Performance of the American Banks industry. The company's shares are down 3.6% from a week ago. Just as investors must consider earnings, it is also important to take into account the strength of a company's balance sheet. We've done some analysis and you can see our take on HomeTrust Bancshares' balance sheet. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Sign in to access your portfolio
