Heather is a journalist and deputy editor of Selfbuild Magazine. She’s previously edited construction trade publications in Ireland and the UK, along with expat living magazines in the Canary Islands and Tuscany. Now based in Co. Kilkenny, she and her partner are taking on their biggest project yet — turning a former residential outdoor pursuits centre into a family home!
Self-builders in ROI can get €30k in tax back from the Help to Buy scheme; find out what you need to know with Selfbuild’s Help to Buy Factsheet. In this article we cover: As the ROI government signalled the Help to Buy scheme would be extended to 2030, we look at how to apply and […] More
The Climate Change Advisory Council’s call for more funding to speed up renovations presents a key opportunity for self-builders. In this article, we cover: The Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) is urging the ROI government to extend supports for renovating vacant and derelict properties, especially in light of the European Parliament’s new Energy Performance of […] More
Finalist for RTÉ Home of the Year 2024, this clever redesign breathed new life into a mud built cottage in Co Waterford. In this article we cover: The decision to buy this property was deeply rooted in personal history, says Craig. “It sits on the outskirts of the village where my parents and I grew […] More
TD urges protection of self-build supports amidst government report that questions €100k in subsidies, loan schemes and tax back schemes. In this article we cover: A report by the Department of Public Expenditure has questioned whether self-builders needed financial supports. These supports, in particular the Help-to-Buy scheme and the development waiver (Irish Water fees waived […] More
It was out of necessity that Anita and Mark Jones went from a contractor led self-build to direct labour. In this article we cover: Anita and Mark weren’t actively looking for a building site, but when an auction alert popped up on Mark’s socials for a site with an unbelievably low guide price, they decided […] More
Water connection and local authority development contribution waivers propel one-off building starts by over 100 per cent – doubling last year’s numbers. In this article we cover: The latest Housing Market Monitor Q1 2024, released by the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), highlights a surge in housing commencements. Over 30,000 units (30,138) were started […] More
Self-builds are leading new build mortgages across a quarter of ROI regions; 40 per cent of mover new build mortgages attributed to self-builds. In this article we cover: According to a new report, the number of first-time buyer (FTB) mortgages taken out for self-building or purchasing new homes has increased by 4.2 per cent, totalling […] More
The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) is celebrating 35 years of award ceremonies; here are the self-build entries for the Public Choice Award 2024. In this article we cover: Be inspired by the shortlisted new build, restoration and extension projects included in this year’s RIAI Public Choice Award and vote for your favourite. […] More
This hands-on self-build in Co Laois came to fruition thanks to lots of hard work and help from family and friends. In this article we cover: From designing their dream home to overseeing every detail of its construction, Michael and Edel were in charge of their self-build every step of the way. It’s a project […] More
Local Authority Home Loan extension to support purchase and renovation of eligible properties in ROI for first time buyers and fresh start applicants. In this article we cover: In a bid to support first-time buyers looking to renovate vacant or derelict properties, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, announced the […] More
Recent court ruling against ribbon development in NI indicates self-builders could be denied planning permission in some greenbelt areas. In this article we cover: In a potential landmark legal win, environmental activist Gordon Duff’s challenge to a planning decision by the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council could have “far-reaching” implications for rural development. The […] More
This Co Down home’s change in layout made all the difference to everyday living, thanks to an attic conversion and complete transformation of the ground floor plans. In this article we cover: Leaving the hustle and bustle of London for the idyllic village charm of a town in Co Down marked a significant life change […] More