How this calculator works
Help to Buy gives a first-time buyer a refund towards the deposit on a new home, and the amount is whichever is smallest of three limits: the €30,000 scheme cap, 10% of the purchase price, and the income tax plus DIRT you paid over the previous four years. The calculator takes your price and your tax paid, applies all three, and shows the binding one. Homes over €500,000 do not qualify at all.
A worked example
On a €320,000 new build, 10% is €32,000, so the scheme cap of €30,000 applies first. If you paid €28,000 in income tax and DIRT over the last four years, your refund is limited to €28,000 by the tax figure. Buy a €250,000 home instead and the 10% limit of €25,000 becomes the binding one. In both cases the money goes straight towards your deposit rather than reducing your mortgage rate.
What decides your refund
- Purchase price — sets the 10% limit and must be €500,000 or less to qualify at all.
- Tax paid — four years of income tax and DIRT caps the refund if it is the lowest figure.
- Buyer status — every applicant must be a first-time buyer of a new build or self-build.
- Mortgage size — the loan must be at least 70% of the price.
A note on accuracy
This estimates the refund from the three statutory limits and does not check your first-time-buyer status, the 70% mortgage condition, or your tax record. Confirm your figures with Revenue and read the scheme guide at the CCPC, and see our methodology for the sources.