Help to Buy Scheme
- The maximum amount you can claim with the Help to Buy Scheme increased from €30,000 to €35,000. The Help to Buy Scheme helps first-time buyers to buy or self-build a new home. This increase applies immediately.
Rent Tax Credit
The Rent Tax Credit will increase by €150 a year. So, if you are paying for private rented accommodation, you will be able to get a tax credit of up to:
- €1,150 if you are an individual (up from €1,000)
- €2,300 if you are a couple who are jointly assessed for tax (up from €2,000)
Rent a room tax relief
- The rent-a-room relief is increasing from €14,000 to €16,000 a year from 1 January 2027. The relief means you do not have to pay tax on rental income up to this amount, if you rent out rooms in your home.
The rent-a-room relief is also extended to detached auxiliary homes built in back gardens. The relief is available for these homes, if they:
- Are built from 27 July 2026
- Are between 32 and 45 square meters
- Meet the new criteria for this exemption from planning permission
This extension of the rent-a-room relief applies retrospectively from 27 July 2026.
Derelict Property Tax
- The Derelict Property Tax was announced in last year’s Budget. However, legislation to provide for this tax will be included in the Finance Bill for Budget 2027. The tax will replace the Derelict Sites Levy. It will be 7% of the property’s market value and will be collected by Revenue. A preliminary national register of derelict properties will be published on 1 September 2027.
