Vol. 513 No. 1
594 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will respond to the problem relating to applicants applying for shared ownership loans whereby they are eligible at the time of application but may be pushed over the current income limit while awaiting the completion of affordable housing by councils. [2023/00]
The administration of the shared ownership scheme is a matter for each local authority in accordance with general terms and conditions set by my Department.
Under the shared ownership scheme, applicants have the option of buying a new or existing house or flat or may have a new house built. It is, therefore, not necessary for an applicant to await the completion of a new house. It is the applicant's choice but the local authority must be satisfied that the dwelling being acquired is reasonably priced, of suitable size and standard to cater for the applicant's household and free from structural defects.
The determination of an applicant's eligibility under a shared ownership scheme is a matter for the local authority having regard to the individual circumstances of the case, including the terms under which provisional and final approval may be given.
