The Capital Assistance Scheme provides funding to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for the targeted acquisition of second-hand homes to meet the urgent accommodation requirements of priority needs categories, including persons with a disability. Accordingly, a review of the scheme is not required in this respect.
The acquisition of second-hand properties in 2026 is provided for through my Department's Social Housing Second Hand Acquisitions Programme. Some €373 million is available through the programme this year to support acquisitions for social housing qualified households in the most precarious housing situations, including homeless households; priority cohorts including persons with disabilities, older persons and care leavers; and persons at risk of homelessness. This budget includes €50 million specifically ring-fenced for use by AHBs via the Capital Assistance Scheme for acquisitions to meet the urgent accommodation needs of persons with disabilities, older persons and care leavers.
My Department provides Acquisition Cost Guidelines (ACGs) for the acquisition of second-hand properties for social housing qualified households by local authorities and AHBs. The ACGs are not absolute ceilings or limits, rather they are benchmarks for costing the acquisition of second-hand properties. The cost of adaptation and other works are supported where the combined cost of acquiring a property and the works needed thereafter are within the relevant ACG. Acquisition proposals, where the cost of acquiring the property exceeds the guidelines or which may include more extensive and costly works, are examined by my department on a case-by-case basis having regard to appropriate value for money considerations.
Ultimately, the allocation of new build and existing local authority and AHB social homes is the primary means through which social housing qualified households should be accommodated. With the social housing new build programme gathering momentum and providing more social housing, this will allow for a reduced reliance on the second-hand acquisitions over the coming years.
In this regard, up to 100% funding is available through the Capital Assistance Scheme for the delivery social homes by AHBs, including for purpose-built 'Group/Community Homes' for persons with a disability.
Overall, more €180 million is available to AHBs via the scheme this year.
