What the new Programme for Government means for housing

Housing remains one of Ireland’s most pressing social and economic challenges. The Irish Government has committed to improving the housing supply to meet this urgent need.

Over the past decade, we have seen efforts by Government to support individuals and families in obtaining their first home. The introduction of cost rental and affordable purchase homes provided some relief, but it didn’t solve the problem. According to the Government’s Programme for Government document, first-time buyer numbers have reached their highest levels since the mid-2000s, and social housing construction has hit a 50-year peak.

Today, the housing crisis remains a major concern and it requires a sustained focus on increasing supply and long-term support to the construction and housing sector.

Key housing commitments in the Programme for Government

The Government has pledged to take a leading role in removing barriers, reforming the planning system, and ensuring the direct delivery of new homes. The Programme for Government sets out key initiatives, including:

1. A fully funded housing plan aimed at accelerating homebuilding, backed by a multi-annual funding commitment.
2. Tackling vacancy and dereliction through enhanced compulsory purchase order (CPO) powers and an ambitious grant system to activate under-utilised land for housing.
3. A target of delivering more than 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030.
4. Extension of the Help to Buy and First Home schemes to further support homeownership.
5. A potential expansion of the Local Authority Home Loan to allow separated or divorced individuals to buy the full mortgage on a home.
6. A progressive increase in the rent tax credit and the introduction of a rent price register to protect tenants and landlords from unfair practices.
7. A commitment to student accommodation, prioritising urgent development to meet demand.
8. Enhanced promotion of the Rent-a-Room Relief Scheme.

The Programme for Government outlines further details on these and other initiatives, and we remain optimistic that these measures will drive meaningful improvements across the housing sector.

How Crowe can support you

Construction finance remains a challenge for many developers in initiating projects. Our corporate finance team helps clients structure suitable funding solutions. If you are looking for support in funding a project, contact a member of our team.

In addition, we provide business support with tax compliance, business financial planning and investment strategies, growth strategies, cash flow management and much more to ensure you are well-equipped to help you make smart decisions that deliver lasting value. Talk to us, today.