Wexford’s First Home Scheme Expanded with €25,000 Price Ceiling Increase

The First Home Scheme in Wexford has been expanded, with a €25,000 increase to the price ceiling for houses and apartments in the county. Effective from January 1st, the new ceiling raises the maximum eligible price to €400,000, making more homes available for purchase through the scheme’s support. This change is designed to help more first-time buyers in Wexford access financial assistance, particularly those who were previously excluded because their preferred homes exceeded the previous price limits. The revised ceilings will apply to 17 local authority areas, including Wexford, following the latest scheduled review. The adjustment aims to widen access to the scheme, especially in areas where housing stock is limited, and it may also encourage the construction of additional homes. Since its launch in 2022, the scheme has already approved 223 buyers in Wexford, helping to make homeownership a reality for many. Minister for Housing Wexford TD James Browne welcomed the changes noting that the increase in price ceilings is a step toward making home ownership more attainable for first-time buyers. He emphasized that the government’s Housing Action Plan aims to support those looking to purchase or build their own homes while ensuring that the housing market remains balanced. The First Home Scheme, with €740 million in funding, bridges the gap between a buyer’s available mortgage and deposit and the price of a new home. Since its inception, the scheme has supported 8,399 buyers nationwide, with over €273 million provided to help individuals purchase or self-build homes.