Statistical returns from local authorities do not distinguish the type of dwelling sold under tenant purchase schemes. When the tenant purchase scheme was introduced last year, authorities were advised that flats should not be offered for sale due to the practical difficulties that arise in relation to service charges, insurance and future saleability; these were outlined in the policy document, Social Housing—The Way Ahead which is available in the Oireachtas Library.
Local authorities were, however, asked to give consideration to the sale of maisonettes (particularly those which do not have common areas) where, having regard to the nature of the maisonettes, arrangements which do not involve the difficulties that arise in the case of flats could be devised.