Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
345. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the options available to a person whose income takes them over the social housing threshold but is not enough to meet the criteria for repayments of a local authority home loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19513/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All, the Government’s housing plan, puts affordability at the heart of the housing system and places priority on the supply of affordable homes to persons on moderate incomes and above the social housing income eligibility threshold. The plan aims to increase new housing supply, support home ownership, and increase affordability. It commits to the delivery of 54,000 affordable homes by 2030. The plan can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ef5ec-housing-for-all-a-new-housing-plan-for-ireland/#view-the-plan.
The Affordable Housing Act 2021 provides a robust legislative basis for a range of affordability schemes that are now operational in line with Housing for All and will increasingly provide a range of affordable options for eligible prospective homeowners. Delivery is being facilitated nationwide by local authorities, approved housing bodies, the Land Development Agency, and via the First Homes scheme.
The Affordable Housing Fund enables local authorities to develop Affordable Purchase Schemes whereby homes are sold at a price below the market value in return for a commensurate equity stake retained by the local authority, which can be redeemed by the purchaser at any time, subject to certain conditions. Relevant homes are advertised on each local authority’s website as they become available and eligible applicants may apply for affordable homes in all local authority areas operating the scheme.
Similarly, the First Home Scheme uses an equity share model to support first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market. Full details of the First Home Scheme are available on the scheme website: www.firsthomescheme.ie.
The Revenue Help-to-Buy incentive supports First-time Buyers in meeting the deposit requirements for newly-built houses or apartments, as well as self-build homes and may be used in combination with the Affordable Purchase or First Homes schemes.
Other affordable options include the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, available as part of the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. The grant benefits those who wish to turn a formerly vacant house or building into their principal private residence. It is important to note that this grant has now been extended to eligible vacant properties in cities and remote rural locations in addition to towns and villages. A further option available under the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund is the Ready to Build scheme whereby local authorities will make serviced sites in towns and villages available at a discount on the market value. The purchaser may then use the site to build their own home.
Finally, for those whose circumstances may be more suited to renting a home, the Government has introduced a new form of long-term sustainable home rental in the form of Cost Rental tenancies. This scheme aims to provide households with a net income of up to €53,000 who cannot afford to purchase or rent their own home with secure affordable tenancies in sustainable, long-term homes. Under the Cost Rental model, rents for homes are set to cover only the cost of delivering, managing and maintaining the homes.
These affordable options are now in place, are already being availed of and delivery is being scaled up.
