Established in 2019 by the government, Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI) plays a pivotal role in addressing Ireland’s housing supply challenges by providing residential development finance to builders and developers.
Operating on a commercial basis, HBFI complements existing funding sources such as banks and alternative lenders, offering tailored financial solutions to support viable housing projects nationwide.
Since its inception, HBFI has evolved from offering a single finance product to a suite of five distinct offerings, each designed to address specific market needs. These include:
- Small Development Product;
- Housing and Apartment Development Product;
- Social/Affordable Housing Product;
- Green Funding Product;
- Accelerate Product (for developers delivering 100+ units annually).
This diverse product range enables HBFI to support developments of all scales – from large social and affordable schemes to smaller, regionally focused projects.
Delivering impact nationwide
As of June 2025, HBFI had approved more than €3bn in funding, facilitating the construction of 15,186 new homes across 206 developments in 25 counties.
Notably, 41% of these approvals were for loans less than €5m, and 83% were under €20m – highlighting HBFI’s commitment to working with smaller builders and developers across Ireland.
Spotlight on the small development product
Recognising the critical role that small-scale developments play in meeting local housing needs, HBFI introduced the Small Development Product to support projects of five homes or more.
This product is specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by smaller developers. HBFI’s regionally based Business Development Team and dedicated Lending Managers provide hands-on support throughout the process, including site visits and in-person consultations.
Key features of the Small Development Product include:
- Loan amounts of up to €5m, covering both land acquisition (up to 60%) and development costs;
- Gearing of up to 80% of total development cost;
- Interest margins ranging from 4.75% to 7.5% over three-month Euribor;
- Entry and exit fees of 1% each;
- Loan terms of up to five years;
- Nationwide availability.
Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis, ensuring flexibility and alignment with the specific needs of the development.
A partner for builders and developers
For engineers involved in residential development, HBFI offers more than just finance – it provides a strategic partnership. Whether you're planning a small housing scheme in a rural town or contributing to a larger urban project, HBFI’s products are designed to support your vision and help bring homes to communities across Ireland.
As Ireland continues to pursue its Housing for All targets, HBFI remains committed to working with builders, developers, and advisers to increase housing supply and improve access to finance.
To learn more about HBFI and how we can support your next project, visit www.hbfi.ie, email us at info@hbfi.ie, or call 01 2384600.