Ready to Build Scheme

What it is:

The Ready to Build Scheme is a government programme aimed at helping people build their own homes by providing affordable sites in towns and villages.

These sites, offered by local authorities, come with necessary infrastructure such as electricity, water, and wastewater services. The scheme aims to make homeownership more accessible by offering sites at reduced prices, up to €30,000 below market value.

Who it’s for:

The Ready to Build Scheme is for people looking to build their own homes in regional towns or villages. To be eligible, you must intend to live in the home as your main residence once it’s built.

The scheme is for people who may not have access to affordable housing options and provides an opportunity for homeowners to build a property suited to their needs.

How it works:

To participate in the Ready to Build Scheme, you need to follow these steps:

Apply to your local authority: You apply directly to your local authority, expressing your interest in purchasing a site under the scheme.
Qualification criteria: You must meet the eligibility criteria, including committing to building your home on the site and living in it as your primary residence. You also need to obtain planning permission within three months of approval and start building within 12 months of receiving planning permission.
Site selection and purchase: Once you are approved, you’ll have the opportunity to select a site from those available under the scheme. The local authority may offer discounts based on the cost of providing services to the site. The maximum discount is €30,000.
Building your home: After buying the site, you should apply for planning permission and begin construction within the specified timeframe. It’s important to adhere to the clawback conditions, which apply if you sell the home within a certain timeframe.
Tax clearance: Ensure you have tax clearance from Revenue to show that your tax affairs are in order.
Completion: Once your home is built and meets all the requirements, ownership of the site will be transferred to you, and you can move into your new home.

More information on the Ready-to-build Scheme.