The government abolished the First-Time Buyers Grants last year – fortunately we made it in just before they did … which was good. Effectively, you applied when you signed the contract, got a letter back a few months later, and you sign, date, and return that when you get into the house.
They then send an inspector around to see that yes – you are living there (that’s part of the restriction on the grant) and issue the cheque once he certifies that …
In most places a process like that would be reasonably fast … especially considering it’s a new estate, and most people seem to be buying their first houses!
So, since we sent in the confirmation form ages ago, I decided to phone the department. It’s going to take 16 weeks before we even get the inspector out, and probably another three to four weeks before the cheque is issued. Which means the money we were relying on to cover some basic costs (think fridges etc) is now not going to appear before Valentines day if we’re lucky !
Ah well … only in Ireland !
ahhh, but think of all the lovely presents your going to be able to buy Sinead for your first Valentines day as a happily married couple! Sure why don’t you take her to Paris for the weekend, I promise, I won’t be there, there won’t be a major piss up involved..and there won’t be the slightest sign of a rugby ball, and Steph won’t need someone to keep her company for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon either!