2017-21 help to buy scheme - megathread. All help to buy discussion here please

bulmersgal · 20-02-2021 6:10pm

House of love wrote: »

Hi all, I am still waiting after a full month since I applied, I am currently in the limbo of waiting for construction to open, our house was supposed to be finished in April/May. And now who knows when, I am really pissed off that social housing is considered essential and the rest of us who have saved for our deposit (and we all know how hard that is with the rents) and are going to be paying for our houses are not. Are ppl not uppset over this. How is construction and providing homes to ppl not essential for everyone equally? Sorry I'm a bit off the subject, had to vent and wondering if anyone else is in the same mess. Cheers

I'm annoyed about this too. My mortgage approval with exception will run out in May, house suppose to be ready in March and as a single parent it will be hard to get it again as was nightmare last time. If I don't have exception I won't be able to afford the house. It's a nightmare and made worse by the fact social housing is allowed but not private. What is the difference? Why am I being discriminated because I'm in much as a need as somebody waiting on social housing. I'm living in a room with my daughter in my parents. It's so frustrating and you feel bad giving out about social housing being built but it's just frustrating the different rules for everybody

House of love · 20-02-2021 7:01pm

The whole situation is horrible and unfair and nothing good will come out of it watch as the house prices skyrocket again after the opening. I feel there is no one to turn too and no one cares...

20-02-2021 9:53pm

The drip-drip of mixed messages and the prioritisation of one construction sector over another are both very disappointing

Ive written a mail to my govt TD about it, would urge anyone in a similar boat to take the time to do so. Its not much but a few coming in might keep it in their minds

Shivs123 · 22-02-2021 10:17am

Hi guys,

Our application finally got approved on Saturday. Turned out I owed 700€ tax from 2019, I never copped it, it held ours up and it ended up getting cancelled.
I paid it off Friday, set up a new application and it got approved Saturday.

Busi_Girl08 · 22-02-2021 10:25am

Mine's still under review 5 weeks on. I have a query pending with Revenue since the 12th and I don't have any way to cancel and start the application again if needed.

Shivs123 · 22-02-2021 6:27pm

Busi_Girl08 wrote: »

Mine's still under review 5 weeks on. I have a query pending with Revenue since the 12th and I don't have any way to cancel and start the application again if needed.

Ring them, you can get them after 3pm easier

Busi_Girl08 · 23-02-2021 9:16pm

WE'VE BEEN APPROVED!! We both got an email at 8pm on the button from Revenue, and I got a reply to my last query, have the access code and a confirmation of funds available. Delighted with that.

The Help to Buy section itselfis bringing up an error message for me again which I presume is down to the transfer from the in review stage to the approved/pre-purchase stage.

But we have the access code and communications from Revenue and instructions on what to do next, so very happy now.

We just need to get a house before it expires

Seaandwind · 24-02-2021 4:54pm

Shivs123 wrote: »

Ring them, you can get them after 3pm easier

Have you a contact for the Help to Buy, I cannot seem to find anything online for it and the number I tried said they close phone lines at 1.30pm!

My application says ‘under review’ and I have accepted member ship / my partner is listed

However on his side it still says awaiting confirmation for me? I am not sure how this is happening. We applied early January.

josh88 · 24-02-2021 8:51pm

Quick question - starting a new build and looking to use this scheme. The fine print states that You must take out a mortgage of at least 70% of the purchase price (or, for a self-build, 70% of the valuation approved by the mortgage provider). How is the valuation of the property done and by whom? I was thinking it would be the cost of the build provided by the contractor but the above has confused me a little.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Possibly answered before but difficult to find in 258 pages.

Klopp · 26-02-2021 6:57pm

I went to make a joint application today and I got an error about being registered for LPT which is a mistake. I searched the revenue site for an
phone number to call to get it fixed but I can't find any on their site and I am unsure what department I would need to speak with it to get it resolved.

Hoping someone here might be able to help or know what number I need to ring Monday

Seaandwind · 26-02-2021 7:11pm

Klopp wrote: »

I went to make a joint application today and I got an error about being registered for LPT which is a mistake. I searched the revenue site for an
phone number to call to get it fixed but I can't find any on their site and I am unsure what department I would need to speak with it to get it resolved.

Hoping someone here might be able to help or know what number I need to ring Monday

I rang The PAYE helpline to get advice and they were really helpful, but the direct contact to help to buy is through the ‘My Enquiries’ section on ‘My Account’ and you fill in a form there that goes to HTB.

Klopp · 26-02-2021 8:09pm

Seaandwind wrote: »

I rang The PAYE helpline to get advice and they were really helpful, but the direct contact to help to buy is through the ‘My Enquiries’ section on ‘My Account’ and you fill in a form there that goes to HTB.

Thanks, i just fired off my query, hopefully get back quick enough

ec18 · 01-03-2021 10:32am

badger54 wrote: »

Is it permissible to avail of HTB, borrow 70% on a variable rate mortgage, make one payment and then switch to a fixed rate whilst making a lump sum payment so borrowing is reduced below 70%?

I haven't seen anything from Revenue on this.

I assume banks wouldn't care, but perhaps might be wary of advising them in advance.

Thoughts welcome, thankfully HTB and enforced lockdown means mortgage can perhaps be reduced to 60 or 65%.

Yes that's fine. We did something similar afew years ago. the 70% LTV is drawdown only, Most banks also allow you to make a once off payment on fixed rates yearly. Might be worth checking with whatever bank you're going with

01-03-2021 8:48pm

Hi everyone I'm a complete newbie when it comes to HTB. What I know so far is that we have to borrow a minimum of 70% LTV and the current scheme is 10% until Dec 31st.

Currently we have paid a 5k deposit on a new property in a new development which hopefully will be completed in November. The property price is 250k and falls under the HTB scheme. We are gathering our documents together for the bank to get mortgage approval. Lets say we get the HTB amount of 25k (10%) who does that go to? And also can we find out what we are entitled too before getting approval for a mortgage just so we would know how much we are getting so that we can offset that against how much we want to borrow from the bank?

Does it also take long to find out how much we are getting from HTB?

Many thanks.

Jasna1982 · 01-03-2021 8:50pm

offalyandroid wrote: »

Hi everyone I'm a complete newbie when it comes to HTB. What I know so far is that we have to borrow a minimum of 70% LTV and the current scheme is 10% until Dec 31st.

Currently we have paid a 5k deposit on a new property in a new development which hopefully will be completed in November. The property price is 250k and falls under the HTB scheme. We are gathering our documents together for the bank to get mortgage approval. Lets say we get the HTB amount of 25k (10%) who does that go to? And also can we find out what we are entitled too before getting approval for a mortgage just so we would know how much we are getting so that we can offset that against how much we want to borrow from the bank?

Does it also take long to find out how much we are getting from HTB?

Many thanks.

For me, as a single applicant with all taxes in order, I got approved instantly and it showed me the full amount I’m eligible for

01-03-2021 8:53pm

Jasna1982 wrote: »

For me, as a single applicant with all taxes in order, I got approved instantly and it showed me the full amount I’m eligible for

I have submitted all our of tax income reports for the last four years. When it comes to doing the actual HTB application do we have to upload any proofs such as mortgage offer or copy of contract if say we just want to find out how much we are entitled too? We would love to have the exact amount know so we can advise that to the bank.

Renjit · 01-03-2021 10:16pm

offalyandroid wrote: »

Hi everyone I'm a complete newbie when it comes to HTB. What I know so far is that we have to borrow a minimum of 70% LTV and the current scheme is 10% until Dec 31st.

Currently we have paid a 5k deposit on a new property in a new development which hopefully will be completed in November. The property price is 250k and falls under the HTB scheme. We are gathering our documents together for the bank to get mortgage approval. Lets say we get the HTB amount of 25k (10%) who does that go to? And also can we find out what we are entitled too before getting approval for a mortgage just so we would know how much we are getting so that we can offset that against how much we want to borrow from the bank?

Does it also take long to find out how much we are getting from HTB?

Many thanks.

If you are buying a new development then the amount will be claimed directly by the developer. You provide the claim reference number to your solicitor and it gets passed over to developer solicitor.

You will only know the amount once your application is approved. Otherwise check your statements of liability and the taxes paid by you. Sum of those should be near to your limit provided you haven't claimed any other benefits by the state. If so, you will have some reduction in the approved amount.

Meanwhile, ask for max approval in principle. This can be adjusted easily later when you go for actual mortgage offer letter and the amount is less than or equal to AIP amount.

Renjit · 01-03-2021 10:25pm

offalyandroid wrote: »

I have submitted all our of tax income reports for the last four years. When it comes to doing the actual HTB application do we have to upload any proofs such as mortgage offer or copy of contract if say we just want to find out how much we are entitled too? We would love to have the exact amount know so we can advise that to the bank.

When you are creating HTB application and submitting it, you do not need any documents. You just have to create the application as single applicant or joint (your spouse). Then you select the tax years you wish to include. And then you submit. Then you will receive the Application number.

After approval (which may take some time and you will get the email) you will see the max claim amount available to you. You will also receive the Access Code which can be used by third party to confirm the max amount available to you. You provide Application number and Access code to the bank for verification of HTB available to you.

Later, you proceed with the claim stage. Where you provide the documentation details (mortgage offer, contract copy, property address etc) and then submit. After this you get the Claim reference number. This is what you provide to your solicitor who then send it to developer solicitor. And the developer claims it.

Refer to the below HTB guide for detailed information:
https://www.revenue.ie/en/property/documents/htb-summary-applicants.pdf

01-03-2021 11:53pm

Renjit wrote: »

When you are creating HTB application and submitting it, you do not need any documents. You just have to create the application as single applicant or joint (your spouse). Then you select the tax years you wish to include. And then you submit. Then you will receive the Application number.

After approval (which may take some time and you will get the email) you will see the max claim amount available to you. You will also receive the Access Code which can be used by third party to confirm the max amount available to you. You provide Application number and Access code to the bank for verification of HTB available to you.

Later, you proceed with the claim stage. Where you provide the documentation details (mortgage offer, contract copy, property address etc) and then submit. After this you get the Claim reference number. This is what you provide to your solicitor who then send it to developer solicitor. And the developer claims it.

Refer to the below HTB guide for detailed information:
https://www.revenue.ie/en/property/documents/htb-summary-applicants.pdf

Thank you so much, this is really helpful. Any idea on how long it takes for the approval? Weeks months?

Renjit · 02-03-2021 12:06am

offalyandroid wrote: »

Thank you so much, this is really helpful. Any idea on how long it takes for the approval? Weeks months?

Takes few weeks (10 -15 days). And sometimes it is instant.

elchupanebrey · 02-03-2021 2:58pm

For a property under €300000, If you have paid a booking deposit and then decide to purchase the property and are availing of the HTB, will the booking deposit be refunded or what happens in this case? As you will have paid over 10% when you include HTB and booking deposit! Assuming you are entitled to full 10% on HTB

Markitron · 02-03-2021 3:13pm

elchupanebrey wrote: »

For a property under €300000, If you have paid a booking deposit and then decide to purchase the property and are availing of the HTB, will the booking deposit be refunded or what happens in this case? As you will have paid over 10% when you include HTB and booking deposit! Assuming you are entitled to full 10% on HTB

Generally speaking if you are buying a house for 250k and you pay a booking deposit of 5K, the builder gets the 25K from the HTB, leaving the balance of the house at 220k. The 90% mortgage amount of 225K is drawn down and the extra 5K comes back to you then.

02-03-2021 7:38pm

Submitted the application this morning and got instant approval for the maximum amount. Happy days. Hope restrictions lift soon for the construction sector

02-03-2021 9:27pm

Signed contracts uploaded today, hopefully quick approval for claim

Ak8888ak · 03-03-2021 6:53pm

Do we know if the government are planning to extend the help to buy scheme past December this year? Not sure how it would work with the shared equity scheme as well.

Milena009 · 03-03-2021 9:37pm

Ak8888ak wrote: »

Do we know if the government are planning to extend the help to buy scheme past December this year? Not sure how it would work with the shared equity scheme as well.

I don't think anyone knows at this point.
Last year it was only prolonged in October's budget.

I think it might though

caoimhe_kelly · 03-03-2021 10:23pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Signed contracts uploaded today, hopefully quick approval for claim

Did you receive your claim number yet? Wondering how long that step takes

03-03-2021 10:30pm

Got claim number almost immediately.

Got confirmation that solicitor has verified today and that seems to be all done for my part?

Fitz* · 04-03-2021 11:07am

My claim was processed & approved this morning. I applied during that busy week with the SOLs in January, so they are working through the backlog anyways.

badger54 · 04-03-2021 11:48am

Deleted User wrote: »

Signed contracts uploaded today, hopefully quick approval for claim

Sorry for such a basic question but what did this entail? Assume you managed to scan contract and upload as a pdf? I'll be signing soon and solicitor (shockingly) can't scan documents! Neither can I (working from home).

caoimhe_kelly · 04-03-2021 12:31pm

At the moment I only have AIP from the bank and the rest of my deposit is due on signing the contracts. I presume I won't be able to use HTB towards my deposit as I haven't received the mortgage contract offer yet?

Pete123456 · 04-03-2021 1:31pm

badger54 wrote: »

Sorry for such a basic question but what did this entail? Assume you managed to scan contract and upload as a pdf? I'll be signing soon and solicitor (shockingly) can't scan documents! Neither can I (working from home).

You don’t actually need a signed copy - an unsigned copy should be fine if that makes any difference?

04-03-2021 1:42pm

I uploaded an unsigned copy but also the letter/mail from our solicitor to theirs when it was sent/received

I did raise a case after on revenue with the scanned page of signatures but tbh i don't think that wad even reviewed before we got approved, so ......?

ADO · 04-03-2021 7:21pm

I have a silly question, myself and my partner applied for HTB and we got approved, it was a joint application, when I check the application it says my max relief available is 18k, max joint relief available 30k, when my partner logs in hers says her max relief available is over 13k and joint max available 30k, just want to clarify that means we are entitled to the full 30k between us is that right?

Pete123456 · 04-03-2021 8:31pm

ADO wrote: »

I have a silly question, myself and my partner applied for HTB and we got approved, it was a joint application, when I check the application it says my max relief available is 18k, max joint relief available 30k, when my partner logs in hers says her max relief available is over 13k and joint max available 30k, just want to clarify that means we are entitled to the full 30k between us is that right?

Sounds like it. If ye went in your own ye would get the individual amounts but obviously you can’t get 31k so it tops at 30

caoimhe_kelly · 05-03-2021 10:59am

caoimhe_kelly wrote: »

At the moment I only have AIP from the bank and the rest of my deposit is due on signing the contracts. I presume I won't be able to use HTB towards my deposit as I haven't received the mortgage contract offer yet?

Anyone?

05-03-2021 11:10am

You can get approval for stage 1 of htb

That should be enough for the builder/solicitor if you have the access code and figure you're approved for

Not sure that you could get to deposit stage without mortgage offer though

caoimhe_kelly · 05-03-2021 11:15am

Deleted User wrote: »

You can get approval for stage 1 of htb

That should be enough for the builder/solicitor if you have the access code and figure you're approved for

Not sure that you could get to deposit stage without mortgage offer though

Thank you. I have the stage one approval and the access codes. Yes, I was thinking I need mortgage offer alright to complete the claim stage

iamsosmart · 08-03-2021 5:03pm

Hey all,

Has anyone got HTB approval recently?

I applied with my partner in January and am still waiting on approval. Revenue advised we require manual review as my partner's employer was using the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme for a few months in 2020.

It's been almost 7 weeks at this stage though..

JohnK · 08-03-2021 5:16pm

iamsosmart wrote: »

Hey all,

Has anyone got HTB approval recently?

I applied with my partner in January and am still waiting on approval. Revenue advised we require manual review as my partner's employer was using the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme for a few months in 2020.

It's been almost 7 weeks at this stage though..

I'm the same, we were on it for about 2 months and my application is still pending - I applied on Jan 20th

maon04 · 08-03-2021 5:52pm

Hi,

I am confused. We are just waiting for a call to get our house keys and instead we got an email from our solicitor saying that the builders have problems getting the funds from our help to buy (combined we got the 30k)
It seems like they only can access my tax refund but not my partners?? (Which is the one that has the biggest amount)

Could be a mistake from Revenue? Maybe the person sending the money only sent my part and forgot my partners? Is that even possible? Is that something we/revenue/builders are missing?

We are quite frustrated as we were expecting to get the keys today and we packed all already. (Also need to leave the current house before end of the week!!)

Now we made an enquiry to the Revenue, currently in the queue but it can take days or weeks!!! So sooo frustrating...

Any ideas anyone?
Really appreciate it...

Thanks

Klopp · 08-03-2021 8:25pm

I made a joint application earlier today, I saw my partner's name had down beside it 'Awaiting membership confirmation, she accepted the application to the Group and we both submitted our Statement of Liability for the previous years.

Is it a case the status will update and progress once our application has been assessed and approved or do I need to ring them?

Seaandwind · 08-03-2021 9:30pm

Klopp wrote: »

I made a joint application earlier today, I saw my partner's name had down beside it 'Awaiting membership confirmation, she accepted the application to the Group and we both submitted our Statement of Liability for the previous years.

Is it a case the status will update and progress once our application has been assessed and approved or do I need to ring them?

This happened us too, I rang the PAYE helpline and they could tell us we had tax owing. However that is still coming up on our application. We were told it is a waiting game now but to be honest it is very frustrating as we applied Jan 15th. There is no way to contact them bar the My Enquiry tab which I did and heard nothing either. Not sure what else we can do.
Hopefully you get sorted soon.

muppetkiller · 09-03-2021 1:14pm

We applied about 3 weeks ago and heard nothing back.We confirmed that my partner is a member of the group but its states "Your Application cannot proceed because either of you have outstanding issues on your tax affairs or all the group members have not confirmed membership of the group" But it doesn't state what the issues are and we are both confirmed members ? Can't find a way to get through to the Revenue office either to find out what is going on.

newhouse87 · 09-03-2021 2:49pm

Had to re apply as mine expired, applied in January heard nothing, rang yesterday and they said i owed 48cent in tax, i paid that off the first time i applied and your man said they must have missed that and should now go through soon, if you are waiting a while , ring as they done seem to contact you to tell you what is the problem.

CKenna · 09-03-2021 3:20pm

newhouse87 wrote: »

Had to re apply as mine expired, applied in January heard nothing, rang yesterday and they said i owed 48cent in tax, i paid that off the first time i applied and your man said they must have missed that and should now go through soon, if you are waiting a while , ring as they done seem to contact you to tell you what is the problem.

What number did you use?

newhouse87 · 09-03-2021 3:28pm

CKenna wrote: »

What number did you use?

017383636

showpony1 · 09-03-2021 3:53pm

where is best to search for available/up-coming new builds with prices?

Seaandwind · 09-03-2021 3:56pm

newhouse87 wrote: »

Had to re apply as mine expired, applied in January heard nothing, rang yesterday and they said i owed 48cent in tax, i paid that off the first time i applied and your man said they must have missed that and should now go through soon, if you are waiting a while , ring as they done seem to contact you to tell you what is the problem.

Did you get an email to say it expired? I don’t understand how there isn’t better communication with this. We too are waiting weeks and weeks. It’s very frustrating and I’ve been assured there is nothing left to do but wait. They said last week it was ‘assigned’ to someone but no further contact.

newhouse87 · 09-03-2021 4:04pm

Seaandwind wrote: »

Did you get an email to say it expired? I don’t understand how there isn’t better communication with this. We too are waiting weeks and weeks. It’s very frustrating and I’ve been assured there is nothing left to do but wait. They said last week it was ‘assigned’ to someone but no further contact.

I queried the expiry as somebody had told me it may expire and they replied telling me i had to apply again.

2017-21 help to buy scheme - megathread. All help to buy discussion here please

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