Help to Buy applications surge ahead of scheme’s closure

Fianna Fáil calls for expedited review of ‘unholy mess’

Eoghan Murphy is the new minister for housing

First-time buyers are cashing in on the government’s Help to Buy grant, which is due to be scrapped in the budget.

There has been a surge in applications to the Help to Buy scheme in recent months, from 4,400 applicants in March to 7,275 now.

The scheme offers a tax rebate for first-time buyers of up to €20,000 on houses with a price of up to €500,000.