Shared Equity Scheme
First Home Scheme Calculator
See how much the State and banks will contribute towards your new home. Combine with Help to Buy to maximise your buying power. Updated for 2026 price ceilings.
See how much the State and banks will contribute towards your new home. Combine with Help to Buy to maximise your buying power. Updated for 2026 price ceilings.
You cannot use both FHS and an MPE. If offered both, choose one.
See your full cost breakdown including solicitor fees, insurance & monthly repayments
Full Affordability Calculator →The First Home Scheme (FHS) is a shared equity scheme that helps first-time buyers and eligible homebuyers bridge the gap between their mortgage, deposit, and the purchase price of a new home. The State and participating banks (AIB, Bank of Ireland, PTSB) pay up to 30% of the market value of your home in return for an equivalent equity stake.
There are no strict income limits for the FHS — eligibility is based on borrowing capacity. You must borrow the maximum available from a participating lender under Central Bank rules (4× income for FTBs). Price ceilings vary by area and are reviewed every 6 months. The scheme applies to new builds and self-builds only. If combining with Help to Buy, the maximum FHS equity reduces from 30% to 20%.
Dublin: €500,000 | Cork City: €400,000 | Galway County: €450,000 | Galway City: €400,000 | Limerick City: €350,000 | Waterford City: €325,000 | Wicklow: €450,000 | Meath: €400,000 | Kildare: €400,000 | Other areas: €325,000–€375,000. Ceilings are reviewed every 6 months — next review expected mid-2026.
For more tools, visit our First-Time Buyer Hub or use the Help to Buy Calculator.
New build BER: The First Home Scheme works for both new builds and second-hand homes. New builds should come with an A-rated BER — verify this with NewBuildBER.ie. Second-hand? Book a BER assessment at Homerating.ie — a better rating can qualify you for green mortgage rates too.
Get the full budget model, property comparison matrix, and negotiation scripts.
Irish Property Guide is Ireland's independent property knowledge platform. We provide free calculators, expert-written guides, and practical tools for first-time buyers, landlords, and homeowners planning energy upgrades. Our tools are built specifically for the Irish market — covering Central Bank mortgage rules, Help to Buy, the First Home Scheme, SEAI grants, BER ratings, and the latest landlord compliance requirements including the March 2026 rental law changes.
Unlike estate agents or mortgage brokers, we don’t sell property or financial products. We sell knowledge — so our advice is independent and focused entirely on helping you make better decisions. Our team includes SEAI-registered BER assessors who have been rating Irish homes since 2009.
Calculator updates, market data, tax changes & new guides — every Wednesday. Join 5,000+ readers.