Examiner article
from Irish Examiner 25th Feb - (warning: the
www.examiner.ie website is dog-slow or not responding in parts today). db
February 25, 2002
Changes in house buyer grants and stamp duty exemptions improves lot of divorced home seeker
By Conor Keane
UNHERALDED changes in first-time house buyer grants and stamp duty exemptions is making it easier for divorcees, especially men, to buy new homes and move out of the rented sector.
Changes in the law in June 2000 have remained an open secret since their introduction with hundreds of potential claimants ignorant of entitlements capable of providing savings of close to €10,000 for some divorced or separated house buyers.
However, it is possible to make backdated claims for houses purchased by people since June 15, 2000, who have had their divorce or separation court actions completed.
Sherry FitzGerald new house sales manager Mike O’Sullivan said auctioneers do not normally enquire or record the marital status of people buying new homes.
“This provision is welcome and as news of the availability of first time buyer status for divorcees becomes common knowledge it will help people to move out of flats and apartments into newly purchased homes.
“Most of those who will qualify for this provision will be men who have left the family home as a result of divorce or separation,” he predicted.
...... more estate agent drivel after here....