Housing Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023

Wednesday, 18 January 2023

Questions (528)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

528. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to contract restrictions on apartment owners selling their apartments to local authorities or approved housing bodies for social housing; if so, if he will discuss the matter with the Minister for Justice to examine if this restriction can be overcome by way of legislation or regulation in order to allow such properties be acquired for social or affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1008/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department is not aware of any instances where a local authority or Approved Housing Body has been prevented by contract restrictions from acquiring apartments for social housing.

For example, The Housing Agency has purchased hundreds of apartments over several years, in its own capacity and on trust for local authorities, and the Agency has informed my Department that it not been prevented from acquiring an apartment by a contract restriction preventing the owner from selling their apartment for social housing use.

I understand certain planning permission restrictions may prevent the sale, for example, of build-to-rent units for a period of 15 years. Similarly, the head lease for some holiday home developments may include provisions requiring the pooling of rental income from properties and this may also prevent an apartment being successfully acquired for social housing. However, these restrictions are not specifically intended to prevent a sale of a unit for social housing and apply irrespective of the intended use.