The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has been allocated €11.275 billion in Budget 2026 – a 20% overall increase in funding for next year to boost housing supply, with a record-level funding package alongside tax measures to accelerate nationwide home construction to meet national targets.
Under the Budget’s programme, total Exchequer funding available next year will be €7.21bn, comprising capital €5.19bn and the current €2.02bn. The capital provision of €5.19bn will be complemented by investment through the Land Development Agency, with lending from the Housing Finance Agency, bringing the total capital funding for housing in 2026 to over €9bn.
He has also made it clear that tackling homelessness and providing supports for those experiencing homelessness has been a priority for Budget 2026, adding that “homelessness and those in precarious living situations remain our most pressing challenge. It must be our top priority”. As part of the Budget package, Minister Browne has allocated additional funding of €563.5m to support the provision of homeless services, up from €328m last year.
This includes emergency accommodation, homelessness prevention initiatives, tenancy sustainment supports, and transitional accommodation for individuals experiencing homelessness.
“We intend to further scale-up the delivery of social housing and build more social homes than we ever have. An increased capital allocation of €2.9bn has been provided to support local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies in the delivery of 10,200 newly built social homes.”
The Minister said that this funding will also ensure the continuation of the second-hand social housing acquisitions programme, targeting those who are most vulnerable and in the most precarious housing situations.”
“The affordable purchase and cost rental schemes have already delivered long-term, secure housing at below market rates for thousands of individuals and families across the country. To build on this progress, an increased capital allocation of €1.2bn will support the delivery of 7,500 affordable purchase and cost rental homes in 2026.
“In 2026, we are committing over €570m to support households in the private rented sector through the Housing Assistance Payment and the Rental Accommodation Scheme. This investment will enable over 8,700 new households to access secure accommodation, while continuing support for over 61,000 existing tenancies. In additional support to renters, we are extending the rent tax credit for a further three years.”
