Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2024
473. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent, if any, to which further flexibility can be incorporated in the Housing For All programme, with particular reference to applicants who may be marginally excluded from qualification for affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43272/24]
View answerAffordability and the opportunity to own a home is at the heart of the Government’s housing policy. The Housing for All plan, supports households and individuals to purchase a home, through affordability measures and by increasing the supply of new homes.
For affordable homes purchased under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, purchasers pay a price for their new home in accordance with their purchasing power, calculated as outlined in Affordable Housing Regulations of 2023.
The First Home Scheme is also a shared equity scheme and makes home ownership achievable by bridging the gap for first-time buyers and other eligible home buyers between their deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home within regional price ceiling.
In the case of Cost Rental homes, in August last year the Government increased the income thresholds for new tenancies, with net household income limits rising to €66,000 in Dublin and €59,000 elsewhere. These were introduced across the Cost Rental sector from 1 August 2023, replacing the former national net income limit of €53,000. The increased thresholds broadened the cohort of people eligible to avail of cost rental.
Other measures such as the Local Authority Home Loan, the Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Scheme, the Help to Buy Incentive, and the Ready to Build Scheme are also available to help make home ownership more affordable.
These measures under Housing for All are primarily aimed at supporting affordability constrained households, first-time buyers and Fresh Start applicants and are regularly reviewed by my Department.
