Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
604. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider including those who wish to down-size to free up a family size home in the 'fresh start' principle for local authority affordable purchase housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47437/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme (LAAPS) was introduced to assist first-time buyers purchasing Local Authority-delivered new homes. This scheme uses an equity share model to give eligible purchasers the opportunity of home ownership at a significant discount. The assessment of eligibility and the level of support available is household-specific, so purchasers are only supported when they need this assistance to afford the home.
Section 10 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 sets out the conditions of the Fresh Start principle to be eligible to apply for the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. Section 10(6) of the Act provides that where an applicant previously owned, or was beneficially entitled to an estate or interest in, a dwelling in the State which because of its size, is not suited to the current accommodation needs of the applicant’s household, the applicant will not be rendered ineligible for an affordable dwelling purchase arrangement. This provision is further subject to Sections 11(2)(b) and Section 12(8)(b) of the Act. Relevant regulations and/or guidelines will be considered in due course.
The same overall eligibility criteria apply for all persons applying for a Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, including for those applying under the fresh start principle. Eligibility criteria is set out in the Affordable Housing Regulations 2023 and Affordable Housing (No.2) Regulations 2023. This includes the provision that the equity share required cannot be less than 5% and not greater than 40% of the market value of the dwelling concerned.
As with all homes sold under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, a Scheme of Priority, which oversees the appropriate allocation of affordable homes, applies.
