For returnees planning to return in 2017 and purchase their first home the Revenue Commissioners have announced that you will be able to apply for your 5% tax rebate from the 3rd Jan 2017 .

This is excellent news for returnees in this category.Following the Central Bank decision last week to remove the loan -to-value cap of €222,000 and allow first -time buyers to purchase a property with a deposit of 10% the attractiveness of the scheme is clear .

Indeed it now means that a  returnee first-time buyer looking to purchase a new  property valued at € 300,000 will need a deposit of just € 15,000 .

This is because the Governments help-to-buy scheme will provide a rebate of up to 5%  of the purchase price ( up to €20,000) upfront thereby reducing what the returnee first-time buyer must save themselves .

The scheme will launch on the 3rd Jan and run until Dec 2019 and an online application facility for the scheme will be available on the Revenue website www.revenue.ie from Jan 3rd .

Once  you have agreed to buy your property you will need to make a claim through the website .This will involve uploading information such as a copy of the signed contract,deposit paid,completion date and details of the developer etc.

Like all applications through the State system you should allow for the process to take some time so allow for this when planning your purchase and of course your return home .

if you require further information contact info@project.blueberry.ie or www.revenue.ie directly .