46,000 households used 'Help to Buy' scheme since 2020

New figures show more than 46,000 households availed of the Government's Help to Buy scheme since 2020.

The initiative works by allowing people to recoup tax paid in the past and use it towards the purchase of a home.

Figures from the Department of Finance show a total of 46,112 claims were approved which benefitted 83,644 people between July 2020 and April 2026.

Of the claims 35,642 related to purchases while the remaining 10,470 related to self-builds.

While the scheme helps people get on the housing ladder, some commentators have expressed concerns that it could add to property price inflation.

However, Tánaiste Simon Harris said: "We are determined to pull every lever to build more homes and deliver more homeownership".

"One such support is Help-to-Buy and really positive figures given to me show the impact this support is having all across the country," he added.

The support allows buyers reclaim up to €30,000 of tax paid in the previous four years towards the purchase of a home.

It applies to new properties with a value of up to €500,000.