Housing

Local Authority Housing

Local authorities must allocate houses for rent in accordance with a scheme often called the points system. The local authority may (but does not have to) give priority to groups such as older people or people with disabilities. Many local authorities do provide special housing units for older people and people with disabilities. Local authorities may carry out improvements to private houses for people who are on the waiting list for local authority housing and may subsidise tenants who wish to leave local authority accommodation and buy a private house.

Apply to: your local authority

Affordable Housing Scheme

The Affordable Housing Scheme allows lower-income purchasers to buy newly constructed homes and apartments in areas where property prices have created an affordability gap. These properties are offered for sale to eligible first-time buyers at prices significantly less than their actual market value. The houses are bought with a mortgage from the local authority. The income limits are the same as for local authority loans – €40,000 for a single-income household and €100,000 for a two-income household. However, people who are renting from local authorities or voluntary bodies do not need to satisfy the income test. You are unlikely to be accepted for this scheme if your only income is a social welfare payment. You may be entitled to a mortgage subsidy depending on your household’s income in the previous tax year.

Apply to: your local authority

Shared Ownership Scheme

This scheme is intended for those who cannot afford to buy a house outright. Initially, ownership of the house is shared between the owner and the local authority. At the start, you must buy 40% of the value of the house which you may fund with a local authority loan or a commercial mortgage. You pay rent to the local authority for its share of the house and then you gradually buy out its share over a number of years. The local authority may give you a mortgage loan to pay for the share you are purchasing from it or you can contribute cash of your own. The house can be new or second hand. There is no stamp duty for either. Legal costs are kept to a minimum. There is an income test. The income limits are the same as for standard local authority loans and affordable housing – €40,000 for a single-income household and €100,000 for a two-income household. People who are renting from local authorities or voluntary bodies do not need to satisfy the income test. You are unlikely to be accepted for this scheme if your only income is a social welfare payment. You may qualify for a mortgage subsidy if your household income in the preceding tax year is €28,000 or less.

Apply to: your local authority

Housing Aid for Older People

The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is used to improve the houses of older people (over 60 generally) which are unfit for habitation. The type of work, which is grant aided, includes structural repairs, replacement of windows and doors, cleaning and heating. The maximum grant available is €10,500 and may cover 100% of the cost of works for people with an annual household income of less than €30,000, reducing to 30% for those with annual household incomes of €54,001 to €65,000.

Contact: the Housing Department of your local authority or your local health office.

Mobility Aids Grant Scheme

The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme provides grants for purchasing equipment that will address mobility problems in the home, for example, grab-rails, a level access shower, or chairlift. It is designed to fast-track essential items that are required to allow you to remain in your own home. The grant is primarily for older people but people with disabilities can also apply. Only people with household incomes of less than €30,000 qualify.

If the work you need done costs over €6,000 you should apply for the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability (see below). You cannot apply for both the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme and the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability; however, you can withdraw your application for one scheme and submit a new application under the other.

To apply: Contact you local Housing Department of your local authority

Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability

This grant is for people who are not covered by the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme, and is for the purposes of making adaptations to your home to make it accessible for someone with a disability. The maximum grant is €30,000. The Housing Adaptation Grant for New Houses for People with Disabilities is €14,500 (this applies to houses which are adapted within one year of their completion). Your application will be prioritised based on medical need.

Contact: the Housing Department of your local authority

Local Authority Home Improvement Loan

Local authority loans are available to owner-occupiers in Ireland for the carrying out of necessary works to improve, repair or extend their existing houses. A single-income household whose income was below €40,000 in the previous tax year may qualify for a home improvement loan. The income limit for a two-income household is €100,000. You are unlikely to get this loan if your only income is a social welfare payment.

Apply to: your local authority

Local Authority Loan

A single-income household where the gross income (before tax) was below €40,000 in the previous tax year may qualify for a local authority loan to buy a home. The limit for a two-income household is €100,000. You are unlikely to get a loan if your only income is a social welfare payment.

Apply to: your local authority