Michael Noonan announces change to help-to-buy scheme, but leaves out Fianna Fáil demands
A change to the help-to-buy scheme announced in the budget has been revealed in the Finance Bill.
Finance Minister Michael Noonan says a minimum loan to value mortgage of 70% will now be required, rather than the 80% announced on Budget day.
However, it is believed the Central Bank raised concerns that such a move would leave people, especially outside Dublin, forced to take on too much debt.
Central Bank data was said to show that the average mortgage was actually 70% of the purchase price.
It is understood Mr Noonan has taken this advice on board.
However, changes to the scheme demanded by Fianna Fáil are not contained in the bill and are likely to be introduced as amendments at committee stage.
The legislation, as announced on budget day, gives effect to all the tax changes.
