Zero-rate loan (PTZ+): income ceiling restored and existing homes largely excluded

The 2012 Finance Act again restricts the enhanced zero-rate loan (PTZ+) to households below an income ceiling (set by decree between €26,500 and €43,500 depending on the area). For existing homes, the loan is only granted when social housing is sold to its occupants; for new homes, an energy performance condition applies to loans issued from 2013. The tax-credit envelope granted to banks per generation of loans is cut from €2.6 billion to €820 million.