Affordable Housing Scheme

The Affordable Housing Scheme provides for the building of new houses in areas where house prices have created an affordability gap for lower income house purchasers. The houses will be offered for sale to eligible first time purchasers at cost price, and, accordingly, at a significant discount from the market value of comparable houses in the area.
 

If you are:

• in need of housing and your income satisfies the income test below,
  or
• a person whose application for local authority housing has been approved by the local authority,
  or
• a local authority tenant or tenant purchaser who wishes to buy a private house and to return your present house to the local authority,
  or
• a tenant for more than one year of a house provided by a voluntary body under the Rental Subsidy Scheme who wishes to buy a private house and return your present house to the voluntary body.

How does the income test apply

Single income household
Multiply your gross income (before tax) in the last income year by 2.5. If the result is €79,359 or less you are eligible.
 

Two income household

Multiply the gross income (before tax) of the principal (greater) income in the last income tax year by 2.5 and add the gross income of the subsidiary (lesser) earner in the last income tax year. If the result is €79,359 or less, you are eligible.
 

What kind of house will be provided?

Houses provided under the scheme must comply with the standards, including floor area requirements, specified for payment of the €3,809 new house grant. Information on the scheme and in relation to the provision of houses in particular areas can be obtained from the local housing authority.

Can I Re-sell my Affordable House?

If a house purchased under this scheme is resold within 10 years, the percentage of the sale price discounted by the local authority would by payable to the local authority by the purchaser on the proceeds of the re-sale of the house. The amount payable shall be reduced by 10% in respect of each complete year after the 10th year during which the person who purchased the property has been in occupation as his or her normal place of residence