Budget 2027 includes several changes that affect people buying, selling, renting or holding property. Here is a plain-English summary of the measures most relevant to our clients in Roscommon, Athlone and the Midlands.
Help to Buy goes up to €35,000
The maximum Help to Buy relief for first-time buyers of new homes rises by €5,000, from €30,000 to €35,000, with effect from 7 October 2026. If you are buying a newly built home or self-building, this could make a real difference to your deposit.
More support for renters
The rent tax credit rises to €1,150 for individuals and €2,300 for jointly assessed couples, for the 2027 and 2028 tax years. Rent-a-room relief rises from €14,000 to €16,000 a year from 1 January 2027.
A new tax on derelict property
A new Derelict Property Tax of 7% of a property’s self-assessed value is being introduced. In its first year it applies in towns and cities with a population of 4,000 or more, and it extends to smaller towns in the second year. The first registers are due to be published in September 2027.
If you own a vacant or run-down property, now is a good time to look at your options. Many buyers in our area are actively looking for homes to renovate.
Starter homes and social housing
The Government has allocated €9.4 billion to housing for 2027. This includes over €1 billion for its Starter Homes Programme and funding for 11,250 new-build social homes.
What this means for you
- First-time buyers of new homes get a bigger deposit boost.
- Owners of vacant property should plan ahead of the new derelict property tax.
- Landlords and homeowners who let a room can earn more tax-free.
This is a general summary, not tax or financial advice. Please speak to your accountant or financial adviser about your own situation.
If you are thinking about selling a vacant property, or would like advice on buying or letting, get in touch with our team.
Source: Forvis Mazars, Property and infrastructure: Budget 2027.
