Help to buy combats '˜fear of cost' for self-builders

MEET THE EXPERTS . . . #Build17 team, from left, Garry Clarke, Lanigan Clarke Solicitors; Bert Galbraith, Galbraith Construction; Peter Cullinane, Cullinane Steele Architects; Jim McLaughlin, AIB Letterkenny, Branch Manager (sponsor); Christy Lynch, Efficient Renewables; Michael McMahon, Cavanagh Hooper Dolan Insurance; Darren Donaghy, Donaghy Safety Training; John Bowe, Retail and Business Manager, AIB (sponsor); Bill Steele, Cullinane Steele Architects and Gareth McLarnon, Glen Estates.

Bert Galbraith, of Galbraith Construction, says the scheme offers a clear incentive to first-time, self-builders.

Ahead of this Saturday’s #Build17 expo in Watson Hire, Letterkenny, Mr Galbraith is urging anyone considering building their own home to be fully aware of how the scheme could help them.

The construction expert made the comments after new revenue figures showed that in the first month of 2017, there had been almost 2,000 applications made under the scheme. More than 430 applications have so far been deemed successful.

“We know that Donegal is building again and that there are many people planning on getting their project underway in 2017. But there are also many people who believe they can’t pursue the dream of building their own home because they don’t deem it financially viable,” Mr Galbraith said.

“However, there are clear incentives in Minister Coveney’s Help to Buy scheme that challenge the idea of the fear of cost.”

Introduced in October 2016, the scheme allows first-time buyers to access a refund of income tax and DIRT paid over the previous four tax years in order to buy or self-build a new home.

In total applicants can get back 5% of the purchase price up to €400,000.

Mr Galbraith added: “If you have been thinking of or planning building your own home, it’s vital you know what potential incentives and benefits are available to you.

“Anyone wanting to explore how the scheme might benefit them, or any other aspect of self-build, can avail of expert advice and guidance at #Build17”.

#Build17, supported by AIB, will take place at Watson Hire, Lineman, Letterkenny on Saturday, February 18, from 10am to 2pm. There will be prizes galore on the day with a top prize of €500 in tiles and bathroom ware from McDaid’s Bathroom, Plumbing and Tiles in Buncrana.

Build17’s team of experts includes Peter Cullinane, from Cullinane Steele Architects; Darren Donaghy, from Donaghy Safety Training; Bert Galbraith, from Galbraith Construction; Garry Clarke, from Lanigan Clarke Solicitors; Jonathan Doherty, from Efficient Renewables; Gareth McLarnon, from Glen Estates; Michael McMahon, from Cavanagh Hooper Dolan Insurance and Dean Spencer from BER in Donegal.

To register your free place at #Build17 today email: [email protected] or message via Facebook or Twitter @buildireland