Define first time buyer

[Martinslan]

We had a discussion over dinner last night and views differed over what is a first time buyer.

Sister-in-law inhereted the family home. She now want to sell it and buy another house. (fair enough) She then stated that she is a first time buyer and will not have to pay stamp duty. Is she correct??

The other view expressed was that as she was already a home owner she would not qualify as a first time buyer ....(this view did not go down well at all) !!!

Slán

 

[ClubMan]

There is a specific exemption from loss of FTB status for somebody who inherits a house. Your sister in law is correct if this is the only property that she ever owned. See [broken link removed]:

Can I avail of first time buyer relief if I have previously inherited a house?

Yes. An inheritance is not regarded as a previous purchase and the first time buyer relief can be claimed provided all other conditions of the relief are satisfied.