Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
436. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures, if any, in place, to assist persons to purchase houses which were previously owned, that is, not new builds, and not deemed to be vacant or derelict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26365/23]
View answerAffordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of the Government’s housing policy. As detailed in the Housing for All strategy, the Government has introduced a number of measures to support households and individuals wishing to purchase a home, or those who wish to securely rent a home, as well as increasing the overall supply of new homes, with an ambitious target of 300,000 new homes up to 2030.
Under Pathway 1 of this strategy, “Pathways to Home Ownership and Increasing Affordability”, two new Affordable Purchase schemes have been established (the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme and the First Home shared equity scheme), an improved Local Authority Home Loan scheme, and the introduction of a new form of rental tenure in Cost Rental tenancies.
These schemes are primarily aimed at supporting affordability constrained first-time buyers to meet the higher costs associated with buying new build homes, whilst also encouraging additional housing development to increase overall supply. The eligibility of an applicant for these schemes will be determined based on scheme specific selection criteria, application assessment, and terms and conditions as deemed appropriate by the respective scheme provider.
For those looking to purchase a second hand home, the Local Authority Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage for those who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build.
Further information on the scheme is available on the dedicated website localauthorityhomeloan.ie/
