The Ready to Build Scheme is provided by the Irish Government via local authorities. The scheme offers individuals the chance to purchase land at a significantly reduced price, making it easier to build their own homes. This initiative aims to promote regional development by offering plots of land in towns and villages, equipped with essential services such as electricity, water, and wastewater facilities.
The Ready to Build Scheme allows applicants to buy land from local authorities at prices up to €30,000 below the market rate. This discount applies to plots that come with ready-to-use infrastructure, meaning they are primed for home construction.
Additionally, the Ready to Build Scheme supports the revitalisation of local communities by encouraging people to build in regional areas. Local authorities typically sell plots of land, either from existing properties or newly purchased plots specifically for the scheme. This initiative is designed to help alleviate the housing shortage by increasing housing supply and encouraging sustainable growth in regional towns.
Eligibility Criteria
The scheme is open to a wide range of applicants, with priority given to:
- First-time buyers and those applying for a ‘fresh start’ (e.g., after separation, divorce, or insolvency).
- Individuals with specific needs, such as older people and those with disabilities, who are selling or have sold their current home.
- Anyone else who has sold or is selling their home and seeks to move to a regional town or village.
Special Conditions
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must agree to certain conditions:
- Planning permission must be applied for within three months of site approval and deposit payment.
- The house must be constructed and lived in as the applicant’s principal private residence for at least 10 years.
- Construction must begin within 12 months of obtaining planning permission.
- Clawback conditions apply if the home is sold within 10 years, which could result in the repayment of up to 75% of the land discount.
- Applicants must not have previously purchased a site through the scheme.
Tax Implications
Applicants are required to have tax clearance from Revenue to ensure that their tax affairs are in order before they can proceed.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted directly to the local authority when sites are available. These plots are typically advertised on local authority websites and other regional publications.
The Scheme is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage through the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. Managed by local authorities across the country.
For more details or to apply, contact your local authority. Additional information and FAQs can also be found on the Department’s official website.
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