Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
370. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if guidance has been issued to approved housing bodies on the disposal of property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42625/21]
View answerApproved Housing Bodies (AHBs) are not-for-profit organisations whose purpose is the provision and management of housing for people with a housing need.
As not-for-profit bodies, AHBs are limited in their ability to sell any property on the open market at a value which is less than the market value of the property. While subsequent to the completion of the terms and agreement of any state funding, the AHB is the sole owner of a property and may technically dispose of a property once it complies with its own Articles of Association. Any sale must be in compliance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the AHBs and it is the advisable for the AHB to consult with the Charities Regulator in this regard if it is a registered charity.
However, it is a matter of general policy that AHB homes developed for social housing purposes are retained as such. The Tenant Incremental Purchase scheme that allows for tenants to buy their Local Authority home does not apply to AHB homes.
Should an AHB wish to merge with another AHB or transfer its assets to another AHB guidance is available at the following link: www.ahbregulator.ie/information-guidance/guidance-documents/
