Help-to-Build in Ireland 2026 — €30,000 Toward the Deposit, Income Caps, and How to Apply
On this page
Help-to-Build (April 2025): €30,000 toward the deposit, up to €300k site+build. Income cap €75k single / €85k joint.
Help-to-Build (April 2025 scheme): €30,000 toward the deposit, capped at 10% of the construction cost or €300,000 site+build value, whichever is lower. Income cap: €75,000 single applicant, €85,000 joint. Property price cap: €500,000 in the Rest of the State, €475,000 in the Local Authority Affordable Purchase scheme. The grant is paid as a deposit toward the build, not as a reimbursement. Apply via the local authority. Subject to the scheme being open; check with your local authority before assuming eligibility. Most Irish first-time self-builders apply for Help-to-Build if they meet the income and property caps — €30,000 is a real contribution to the deposit.
When this matters most
You're applying for Help-to-Build.
When this doesn't apply
You've already received the grant.
Sources
Government of Ireland, Help-to-Build scheme. https://www.gov.ie/help-to-buy/
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Help-to-Build grant?
€30,000 toward the deposit, capped at 10% of the construction cost or €300,000 site+build value, whichever is lower. Since April 2025.
What is the income cap for Help-to-Build?
€75,000 single applicant, €85,000 joint. Property price cap: €500,000 in the Rest of the State, €475,000 in the Local Authority Affordable Purchase scheme.
How do I apply for Help-to-Build?
Apply via your local authority. The grant is paid as a deposit toward the build. Subject to the scheme being open; check with the local authority before assuming eligibility.
When this matters most
You're applying for Help-to-Build.
When this doesn't apply
You've already received the grant.
Where to go next
Next decision
The next step in your build sequence.
- Contingency Budget for a Self-Build in Ireland — Why 10% Is the Minimum and 15% Is Safer →
- First Home Scheme in Ireland — Equity Share for New Builds, Eligibility, and the Catch →
- Self-Build Mortgage Step by Step in Ireland — Application to Final Drawdown →
- Stage Payment Triggers in a Self-Build — What Each Drawdown Requires →
- VAT on a Self-Build in Ireland — 13.5% Labour, 23% Materials, and the Sole Trader Route →
Branch into
Adjacent decisions at the same stage.
Watch out for
Common mistakes, hidden costs, gotchas.
- Grants for Self-Build in Ireland 2026 — SEAI, Help-to-Build, and the Eligibility Trap →
- Hidden Costs of a Self-Build in Ireland — The 12 That Catch First-Timers →
- Mortgage Interest During Build in Ireland — How It Works, What It Costs, and the Trap →
- Self-Build Cost per m² in Ireland 2026 — Total Project Cost and the Line Items →
- Single-Storey vs Two-Storey Cost in Ireland — Which Is Cheaper, Which Is More Cost-Efficient →
Compare with
Alternative approaches worth knowing.