Fine Gael has proposed an SSIA-style savings scheme designed to help first-time buyers save for a house.
The scheme is one of a package of measures aimed at home buyers outlined in the party's local election manifesto published today.
The party also promised it would, in government, establish a rezoning board headed by a High Court judge to examine all local authority rezoning decisions to ensure they are in the public good.
Speaking at the launch, the Fine Gael party leader Mr Enda Kenny said the manifesto contained proposals to make life better, more rewarding and secure. "It shows what can be achieved by proper planning, when politics has a vision for the future and a desire to care and work for the people and not, first and foremost, for 'the party'."
Fine Gael proposes the abolition of stamp duty on second hand-homes bought by first-time buyers and a "front-loading" of mortgage interest relief to help them in the early years of mortgage repayments.
"Since Fianna Fáil and the PDs took power, the price of a home has tripled," Mr Kenny said. "The Government takes up to 45 per cent of the cost of every new home. It has reaped a windfall from new homebuyers in recent years. It's time to give new homebuyers a helping hand."
Fine Gael will run more than 740 candidates and will contest every electoral area in the June 11th local elections.
The party's three main objectives are to maximise the Fine Gael vote after a disastrous outturn in the 2002 general election, to maximise the number of candidates elected and to get new councillors elected in "key strategic areas" who will challenge the next general election.
Other proposals in the manifesto include measures to tackle the "scandal" of unfinished housing estates, the appointment of a consumer rights "enforcer" to tackle "rip-off Ireland" and measures to outlaw gazumping.
The party says tackling violent crime will be a priority and suggests the establishment of a dedicated organised crime unit within the Garda.
Fine Gael says it would also set up a new Dublin Transport Authority to take over the powers of the 20 separate groups and agencies that bear some responsibility for transport.
Mr Kenny said the June 11th local elections should be a "Citizens' Referendum for Change" and for a better Ireland.