Stamp duty cut a non-runner but home-heating oil and childcare a budget focus, says Harris
Irish Finance Minister Simon Harris has ruled out abolishing stamp duty for first-time homebuyers in the 2027 budget, citing a focus on housing supply over tax cuts. The government is instead prioritizing measures related to fuel allowances and carbon taxes to address cost-of-living concerns.
Why it matters
The decision reflects the ongoing tension between addressing the housing crisis and managing fiscal constraints in the Irish economy.
Minister for Finance Simon Harris has again ruled out any move to abolish stamp duty for first-time home buyers in Budget 2027 . His remarks appeared to contradict the Taoiseach, who said in Manchester on Friday that the measure was still “on the table”.
Speaking after the Ecofin meeting of EU finance ministers at Dublin Castle on Saturday, Harris said: “I’m not intending to bring forward proposals in relation to stamp duty and that’s not news to colleagues across the Coalition.”
He said his department was against any change in the area, believing it “is not a good idea”, and that while there will be measures intended to address the ongoing housing crisis , they will, he said, be focused on boosting supply.
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