Ireland’s National Housing Plan Explained

Ireland has entered a critical phase of its long running housing challenge. The government has responded with a new National Housing plan that will shape the next decade. What happens now will influence whether families can realistically afford to build stable lives in the communities they care about. 

There is a lot of conversation on this topic, so this piece breaks it down clearly. What is the National Housing Plan, what does it cover, can it change our housing market, and most importantly, what does it mean for you. Let’s get into it. 

What is the National Housing Plan for Ireland 

Today, the government announced the National Housing Plan titled Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The plan sets a target of 300,000 new homes by 2030. This includes 72,000 social homes and 90,000 affordable housing supports. It sits under the Housing for All initiative, which the government says has already delivered 137,000 homes since 2021. The official plan document highlights that building this number of homes will require €20 billion in development finance each year. 

What does it cover 

The Housing plan is built around two main pillars. 

Pillar 1: Activating Supply 

This pillar focuses on increasing the number of homes built in Ireland. It does that by making more land available, upgrading roads and water systems, updating building rules, and encouraging new construction methods. The aim is to boost supply by cutting delays, reducing costs, training more workers, and bringing empty buildings back into use. All of this helps Ireland keep pace with a growing population.

Pillar 2: Supporting People 

This pillar is about improving access to housing. It expands social housing, tackles homelessness, and supports families, renters, and older people. It includes stronger rent protections, grants for homebuyers, and better housing options for vulnerable groups. The goal is to make secure and affordable housing available to more people. 

Can the Housing plan transform the housing market in Ireland 

The government acknowledges the scale of the housing crisis in the plan document and says the Housing plan is ambitious but realistic. 

The plan can reshape the market in several powerful ways. The new housing plan can transform Ireland’s housing market in several important ways. Over the coming years, the government will invest more than €24 billion in transport programmes, €12.2 billion in the water sector, and over €28 billion in housing and related infrastructure. This level of funding aims to significantly increase the supply of new homes, strengthen essential infrastructure, and make buying or renting more accessible. 

With record investment and clear actions to support renters, buyers, and vulnerable groups, the Housing plan has the potential to deliver a more balanced market that works for more people. 

What does the new housing plan mean for you 

The government website explains the full plan in detail for major groups, but we will breakdown what it means specifically for renters, first time buyers, and homeowners.

 

For renters: 

If you are renting, the plan strengthens your protections and gives you more clarity on costs. It introduces national rent controls, tightens rules in rent pressure zones, and expands your rights as a tenant. You also receive a rent tax credit. Combined with more purpose-built student accommodation, these steps help stabilise prices and make renting feel less unpredictable. 

For first time buyers 

The housing plan makes home ownership more realistic. Expanded Help to Buy and First Home supports give you a stronger financial lift, and the Starter Homes Programme delivers around 15,000 affordable housing supports each year. With more new homes entering the market and schemes that help close the gap between your mortgage and the cost of a home, getting on the ladder becomes more realistic. 

If you are starting over after separation, divorce, insolvency or leaving a previous property, the Fresh Start provision recognises you as a first-time buyer. 

For homeowners 

The plan supports you in upgrading and future proofing your property. The State aims to bring 20,000 vacant homes back into use by 2030, with grants of up to €50,000 to help refurbish older or unused buildings. There is also a national push on energy upgrades, with a target to retrofit 500,000 homes to at least a B2 BER standard by 2030. This helps make homes warmer, cheaper to run, and more valuable in the long term. 

How MFCU can help 

This Housing plan marks a major shift, and the impact will become clearer over time. If you are planning to buy your first home, you can apply for a mortgage with us. We offer one of the lowest mortgage interest rates, and everything you borrow goes straight back into strengthening the community. 

Your financial wellbeing always comes first. If you are ready to take the next step, our team is here to guide you through your mortgage questions and help you move forward with confidence.