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

Conrad83 · 11-08-2020 10:57am

CuriousKarl wrote: »

I was in the same position until 5 mins ago - it was showing 'awaiting review' for me, so I logged in via my partner's account, cancelled, reapplied and instantly got the higher amount

The glitch could be linked to your own account, so cancel via your partners and try again would be my suggestion

I have already tried this so I'm afraid to mess with it again incase it sends us to the bottom of the pile! So frustrating still waiting after waiting a week already for Revenue to update systems!

coff66 · 11-08-2020 11:10am

Has anyone spoken to revenue this morning to confirm if already approved applications were updated or if everyone needs to cancel and reapply. Stuck at work and won't get a chance to ring until lunch which means I most likely won't get through.

CuriousKarl · 11-08-2020 11:16am

Conrad83 wrote: »

I have already tried this so I'm afraid to mess with it again incase it sends us to the bottom of the pile! So frustrating still waiting after waiting a week already for Revenue to update systems!

I had assumed it was some form of queue system until I did it this morning, but it definitely appears to be automated! Fingers crossed

Sheeps · 11-08-2020 11:29am

Just got confirmed for the €30k.

8-10 · 11-08-2020 11:32am

Anyone know what the process is after making a claim?

Are you on a list in order of date in terms of having the claim assessed?

Do you share the claim ref and access code to the developer right now when you have an active claim or do you have to wait for something?

Creamy Goodness · 11-08-2020 11:43am

8-10 wrote: »

Anyone know what the process is after making a claim?

Are you on a list in order of date in terms of having the claim assessed?

Do you share the claim ref and access code to the developer right now when you have an active claim or do you have to wait for something?

your developer will look for the access code that is given to you inside the HTB section inside myrevenue.ie. Once you give them this they'll claim the money, and you then just deal with your solicitor to pay the rest of the deposit.

Markitron · 11-08-2020 12:03pm

I just cancelled mine and reapplied, got the increased amount straight away. Mine actually only went up to 24k even though I have definitely paid at least 30k in tax in those 4 years. Is there an easy way to check what the amount is from each year?

into_the_wild · 11-08-2020 12:21pm

Markitron wrote: »

I just cancelled mine and reapplied, got the increased amount straight away. Mine actually only went up to 24k even though I have definitely paid at least 30k in tax in those 4 years. Is there an easy way to check what the amount is from each year?

I did the same for myself and my wife. I'm sure it should've gone up to 30k but it stayed at 20k even for the two of us. Something seems wrong in their system. I've sent them an enquiry for now.

Sheeps · 11-08-2020 12:34pm

Make sure you have the last four tax years selected, and check your end of year statements for those years in order to make sure that your net tax paid is enough. You should be able to get these as a pdf or a screenshot to prove you are eligible.

vinay · 11-08-2020 1:42pm

Try checking the Statement of Liability for all the years you are selecting for HTB. All of them should show Balanced and the same document will also provide the total amount of tax paid for the year.

The Wordress · 11-08-2020 1:52pm

Does anyone know what constitutes a New Build? My brother built a brand new house last year which is currently being used as an Air BnB. If I bought it in a year or 2, would it still be classed as a new build?

Creamy Goodness · 11-08-2020 2:06pm

The Wordress wrote: »

Does anyone know what constitutes a New Build? My brother built a brand new house last year which is currently being used as an Air BnB. If I bought it in a year or 2, would it still be classed as a new build?

https://www.revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/what-type-of-property-qualifies.aspx

What type of property qualifies?
To qualify for HTB, the property that you build or buy must be:

* your home
* newly built with the construction subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) in Ireland.

The property must never have been used, or have been suitable to use, as a residential home. If the property was non-residential, but has been converted for residential use, it may qualify for HTB. If you buy or build the property as an investment, it does not qualify for HTB.

was applicable for HTB when your brother built it provided it was subject to VAT he would also have to keep it as a residential home for 5 years or they clawback pro rata, you will not be applicable for HTB on this property.

Markitron · 11-08-2020 2:52pm

vinay wrote: »

Try checking the Statement of Liability for all the years you are selecting for HTB. All of them should show Balanced and the same document will also provide the total amount of tax paid for the year.

I have my statements of liability, I am kinda clueless about all this stuff so maybe I am reading it wrong. There's a heading about 3 lines down saying 'tax due', which is the sum of the taxable income at 40% and 20%. This is the same figure as 'gross tax payable'.

Is this the net tax figure which I should be adding up for all the 4 years?

vinay · 11-08-2020 4:39pm

Markitron wrote: »

I have my statements of liability, I am kinda clueless about all this stuff so maybe I am reading it wrong. There's a heading about 3 lines down saying 'tax due', which is the sum of the taxable income at 40% and 20%. This is the same figure as 'gross tax payable'.

Is this the net tax figure which I should be adding up for all the 4 years?

The tax deducted is the total amount of tax paid excluding the tax credits. This should be the amount (If I'm not wrong) used for calculating the total eligible HTB amount over the period of 4 years. PRSI and USC charges are not taken into account for this calculation.

Renjit · 11-08-2020 11:58pm

vinay wrote: »

The tax deducted is the total amount of tax paid excluding the tax credits. This should be the amount (If I'm not wrong) used for calculating the total eligible HTB amount over the period of 4 years. PRSI and USC charges are not taken into account for this calculation.

Yeah, but you have to subtract any overpayments (in the Final Result) from that.

Markitron · 12-08-2020 8:20am

vinay wrote: »

The tax deducted is the total amount of tax paid excluding the tax credits. This should be the amount (If I'm not wrong) used for calculating the total eligible HTB amount over the period of 4 years. PRSI and USC charges are not taken into account for this calculation.

Renjit wrote: »

Yeah, but you have to subtract any overpayments (in the Final Result) from that.

Yes this is what I figured, I should be getting the max 30k so

Miaconn1234 · 12-08-2020 2:51pm

How long is everyone waiting for confirmation? Was on phone again, and PAYE said everything looked ok. Have sent enquiries and still no word back. Very frustrating that you cant get them on the phone and find out what the hold up is....

Conrad83 · 12-08-2020 2:56pm

Miaconn1234 wrote: »

How long is everyone waiting for confirmation? Was on phone again, and PAYE said everything looked ok. Have sent enquiries and still no word back. Very frustrating that you cant get them on the phone and find out what the hold up is....

Same position here! So frustrating as I am being told a different story every day. Yesterday was told everything looked ok and it appeared to be a system error. Today was told everything looked fine and they were just working through a backlog they hope to clear by the end of the week. A friend was told today that the backlog should be cleared in 2 weeks. Cant seem to get a straight answer at all. Just a waiting game unfortunately.

Downloaded · 13-08-2020 4:44pm

Can anyone tell me when calculating the new-build house price, should VAT be included or not? Eg. If the house is advertised by Developer at 400k, is this the house price used to determine the relief available or should it be 346k (i.e. minus VAT at 13.5%)

awec · 13-08-2020 5:11pm

Bawnboylad wrote: »

Can anyone tell me when calculating the new-build house price, should VAT be included or not? Eg. If the house is advertised by Developer at 400k, is this the house price used to determine the relief available or should it be 346k (i.e. minus VAT at 13.5%)

It's the total price, so 400k in your example.

8-10 · 13-08-2020 5:17pm

Bawnboylad wrote: »

Can anyone tell me when calculating the new-build house price, should VAT be included or not? Eg. If the house is advertised by Developer at 400k, is this the house price used to determine the relief available or should it be 346k (i.e. minus VAT at 13.5%)

the 400k, but either will give you a relief of 30k anyway

Miaconn1234 · 13-08-2020 5:55pm

I presumed sale price

tglynn · 14-08-2020 10:35am

My new application still states "Awaiting membership confirmation". We've both confirmed so that's not the issue. Anyone else still got this issue? I've sent the end enquiry a few days ago but still no word back. Painful!

Conrad83 · 14-08-2020 10:41am

tglynn wrote: »

My new application still states "Awaiting membership confirmation". We've both confirmed so that's not the issue. Anyone else still got this issue? I've sent the end enquiry a few days ago but still no word back. Painful!

Exact same issue here since Monday and no response to 2 enquiries sent Tuesday. Apparently there is a massive backlog from all the new applications going through in 1 day.

The_Conductor · 14-08-2020 10:43am

Guys there are still a large cohort of Revenue staff remote working- and they are snowed under. Give them a chance, they'll get around to it.

Miaconn1234 · 14-08-2020 11:02am

tglynn wrote: »

My new application still states "Awaiting membership confirmation". We've both confirmed so that's not the issue. Anyone else still got this issue? I've sent the end enquiry a few days ago but still no word back. Painful!

Same situation here too. 2 weeks now since application and no change. Been onto phone most days. It's easy to say give them a chance, but when you have bank, solicitor and builder onto you looking for progress and this is the only hold up, patience begins to wane!

Pivot Eoin · 14-08-2020 2:48pm

Basic Question, probably asked before.

Is the HTB limit of €500k including Vat or Excluding Vat? VAT brings what we're looking at over €500k so I'm guessing it doesnt qualify, just want to double check as the EA doesnt seem sure.

GingerLily · 14-08-2020 3:12pm

Pivot Eoin wrote: »

Basic Question, probably asked before.

Is the HTB limit of €500k including Vat or Excluding Vat? VAT brings what we're looking at over €500k so I'm guessing it doesnt qualify, just want to double check as the EA doesnt seem sure.

Including

Robert_ · 15-08-2020 9:01pm

Say you are entitled for a max HTB of 30k. House price is 300k. You already paid a booking deposit of 5k.

Then when claiming HTB in revenue site, you are asked to enter these values: "Deposit payable" (10% house, 30k in this example), and "Deposit paid" (5k in this example).

Would revenue say: "you only need 25k now, so I'm gonna give only that and not the full 30k"? Or they don't care and give the full 30k (so you get the 5k refunded). If so, why they ask these two values about deposit?

Miaconn1234 · 16-08-2020 11:09pm

Robert_ wrote: »

Say you are entitled for a max HTB of 30k. House price is 300k. You already paid a booking deposit of 5k.

Then when claiming HTB in revenue site, you are asked to enter these values: "Deposit payable" (10% house, 30k in this example), and "Deposit paid" (5k in this example).

Would revenue say: "you only need 25k now, so I'm gonna give only that and not the full 30k"? Or they don't care and give the full 30k (so you get the 5k refunded). If so, why they ask these two values about deposit?

I presumed if you are entitled to 30k you get 30k regardless of booking deposits....

8-10 · 17-08-2020 7:41am

Miaconn1234 wrote: »

I presumed if you are entitled to 30k you get 30k regardless of booking deposits....

Exactly. So you either agree with builder to refund deposit once they get the HTB drawn down or you continue to include it meaning you can get an extra 5k off the mortgage. It doesn't disappear because you've already paid some (assuming you haven't signed anything since the updated HTB)

....is how I understand it

cant26 · 17-08-2020 1:57pm

Hi is there a direct contact number for the HTB? Can’t seem to find one and our application is still saying awaiting confirmation but then my husband received a my enquiry saying we are at review stage.
It seems like a technical issue but the bank is wanting confirmation of how much we are approved for and an access code. Really hope this can through quick enough but have a feeling this could really delay us

Miaconn1234 · 17-08-2020 2:26pm

cant26 wrote: »

Hi is there a direct contact number for the HTB? Can’t seem to find one and our application is still saying awaiting confirmation but then my husband received a my enquiry saying we are at review stage.
It seems like a technical issue but the bank is wanting confirmation of how much we are approved for and an access code. Really hope this can through quick enough but have a feeling this could really delay us

Same as you.
Going on third week with 'pending application' and 'under review'/..... and have sent enquiries over a week ago and received no response.
Ready to sign contracts here, but very hesitant to do so when I've no written confirmation of approval from HTB.... I hope this week some progress is made....

EF0701 · 17-08-2020 2:34pm

Not that I can find!
I've contacted a few of the different general numbers over the last week but no joy speaking with anyone working directly in Help to Buy.
Latest I heard today was that most applications should be updated by the end of this week but was also told the same last week, I'm in the same boat with both bank and builder looking for the details. I'm hoping they're a little more lenient than normal with a lot of people being in the same situation..Wishful thinking :S

Duke of Url · 17-08-2020 2:39pm

tglynn wrote: »

My new application still states "Awaiting membership confirmation". We've both confirmed so that's not the issue. Anyone else still got this issue? I've sent the end enquiry a few days ago but still no word back. Painful!

Conrad83 wrote: »

Exact same issue here since Monday and no response to 2 enquiries sent Tuesday. Apparently there is a massive backlog from all the new applications going through in 1 day.

Miaconn1234 wrote: »

Same situation here too. 2 weeks now since application and no change. Been onto phone most days. It's easy to say give them a chance, but when you have bank, solicitor and builder onto you looking for progress and this is the only hold up, patience begins to wane!

Miaconn1234 wrote: »

Same as you.
Going on third week with 'pending application' and 'under review'/..... and have sent enquiries over a week ago and received no response.
Ready to sign contracts here, but very hesitant to do so when I've no written confirmation of approval from HTB.... I hope this week some progress is made....

You should call them.

I had this issue only to find I had to confirm I was tax compliant. Approved the same day.

cant26 · 17-08-2020 3:02pm

Miaconn1234 wrote: »

Same as you.
Going on third week with 'pending application' and 'under review'/..... and have sent enquiries over a week ago and received no response.
Ready to sign contracts here, but very hesitant to do so when I've no written confirmation of approval from HTB.... I hope this week some progress is made....

Wow three weeks that’s crazy. It’s been a week for us and thankfully we just got confirmation for the 30k!

Miaconn1234 · 17-08-2020 3:07pm

Duke of Url wrote: »

You should call them.

I had this issue only to find I had to confirm I was tax compliant. Approved the same day.

I've been onto PAYE four times last week to no avail.... basically told nothing they can do, just send in enquiry....

Is that who you've been onto?

tglynn · 19-08-2020 5:19pm

This really has been some headache. I've been approved twice before the updated amount, cancelled and reapplied after the update. Now there's suddenly an issue with my tax from 2018 which isn't actually an issue. And they takes days to answer a message in "my esquires".

Miaconn1234 · 20-08-2020 10:58am

Was onto Paye again yesterday, and asked her to email directly as I was getting nowhere and zero responses. Approved by end of day. WOO! Not full amount but didnt expect that. She said they had over 8000 applications since 23rd July. Was over 3 weeks I was waiting with nothing so only way was to ask her to email.

extrafluff · 21-08-2020 1:00pm

We applied for this on the off chance that we'd be able to afford a new build in a few months.

We've just got our approval. Slightly over €10k in total. We went travelling for 6 months in 2017 so it's likely it was reduced because of that but it's disappointing it's only that much.

We may not use it but it seems like we're being 'punished' (probably too strong a word). Haven't been able to use any PRSI since we came back In Jan 2018 and now this.

Markitron · 21-08-2020 1:16pm

extrafluff wrote: »

We applied for this on the off chance that we'd be able to afford a new build in a few months.

We've just got our approval. Slightly over €10k in total. We went travelling for 6 months in 2017 so it's likely it was reduced because of that but it's disappointing it's only that much.

We may not use it but it seems like we're being 'punished' (probably too strong a word). Haven't been able to use any PRSI since we came back In Jan 2018 and now this.

10k seems a little low for 2 people over the course of 3.5 years, were you both working the entire time aside from that 6 months?

extrafluff · 21-08-2020 1:39pm

Markitron wrote: »

10k seems a little low for 2 people over the course of 3.5 years, were you both working the entire time aside from that 6 months?

Pretty much. She got a job straightaway when we came back. I was unemployed for 2 months.

To confuse matters more. Her allowance is €4k & mine is €6k. Even though she has been working slightly longer.

Lleyn elec · 24-08-2020 2:09am

If you are self building and you don’t actually draw down the full amount of the mortgage that was approved under the help to buy application (at the start of the build) do you need to inform revenue?

calmness · 25-08-2020 9:37pm

Hi, I have a quick query. My HTB application got approved with the below message in the Enquiries section:

Your Help To Buy application has been approved.
Maximum relief available to you: €30,000.00

Does this mean I'm eligible for 30k or do I need to go back to my tax statements and check how much I paid?

TIA.

Cutielaide · 25-08-2020 9:59pm

calmness wrote: »

Hi, I have a quick query. My HTB application got approved with the below message in the Enquiries section:

Your Help To Buy application has been approved.
Maximum relief available to you: €30,000.00

Does this mean I'm eligible for 30k or do I need to go back to my tax statements and check how much I paid?

TIA.

Lucky you. You are entitled to the full amounts.

unhappys10 · 25-08-2020 10:30pm

Could have been asked already but can anyone tell me if I apply for help to buy now at the 10% rate when does it expire?

As in could I apply and be approved before 31 December but not get mortgage and start building until into the new year?

Wonder about the chances of the 10% being extended.

Cutielaide · 26-08-2020 7:10am

unhappys10 wrote: »

Could have been asked already but can anyone tell me if I apply for help to buy now at the 10% rate when does it expire?

As in could I apply and be approved before 31 December but not get mortgage and start building until into the new year?

Wonder about the chances of the 10% being extended.

Every application expires at the end of the year i.e Dec 31st. If you are not starting the build this year, you might as well wait till January before applying.

unhappys10 · 26-08-2020 8:37am

Cutielaide wrote: »

Every application expires at the end of the year i.e Dec 31st. If you are not starting the build this year, you might as well wait till January before applying.

Thanks for the info.

JohnK · 26-08-2020 11:57am

I've been spending my time looking at second hand houses up to now and ignoring the new build market so sorry if this has already been answered but can someone just clarify/confirm the following?

If I was to agree a purchase before 31st Dec 2020 and pay a booking deposit does that mean I can still avail of the scheme at the 30k mark even if the build wouldn't be completed until mid 2021? What happens here if the sale falls through for whatever reason (maybe the bank decides not to give me the mortgage in 2021) and the contracts etc have a subject to mortgage approval clause? I get that in such an instance my deposit should be returned to me and the government get their bit back or does having government money in the mix via the scheme could cause all sorts of complications.

I've seen a good few references to this scheme being for people who'd be unable to get any more than 20% of the purchase price of a house together but then on https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/owning_a_home/help_with_buying_a_home/help_to_buy_incentive.html its saying you'd only need for at least 70% of the purchase price to be mortgaged. Has the scheme changed or is the Citizens Information site wrong? So for example if I was looking at a new build for 350k and I was only mortgage approved for 245k (70% of 350k) would I be able to proceed using this scheme on the basis of 30k from the scheme and the remaining 75k in cash? Or am I missing something here?

Thanks!

Creamy Goodness · 26-08-2020 12:01pm

The developer/builder will have to draw down the money before the 31st December 2020. For them to do this you need to upload the loan offer letter from the bank and a signed contract from both parties before they can go ahead and drawdown the HTB subsidy.

It's unclear right now if the 30k limit will go pass 2020, but if it expires you can just reapply and you'll be given whatever your entitled to in 2021.

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

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