Written Answers Nos. 452-471
453. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Questions Nos.1691 and 1695 of 14 April 2026, the number of new staff sanctioned for hire in all local authorities in each of the years 2022 to 2025 and to date in 2026; and the number of new hires realised in those years. [47317/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of new posts approved by my Department in the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 (to 18 June) broken down by local authority area are detailed in the attached table.
The recruitment and filling of posts in the local government sector is undertaken both by individual local authorities and publicjobs. Following the issuing of sanction by my Department for a new post, it is then a matter for the Chief Executive, who is responsible under Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001 for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible, to progress the appointment as appropriate. My Department does not have a recruitment role. Data on the number of new staff recruited would be available from each local authority.
454. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps his Department is taking to eliminate the growing financial shortfall facing applicants under the defective concrete blocks (DCB) enhanced grant scheme; if he will address the policy anomaly where grant rates are legally tied to pre-2008 'like-for-like' specifications, while homeowners are legally mandated by current building control regulations to rebuild to modern and more costly environmental and energy standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47376/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 as amended by the Act of 2025 underpins the Grant Scheme which provides grant funding to people whose homes have been affected by Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB).
A number of amendments have been made to the legislation in late 2025 so the scheme can continue to be applied in as efficient and equitable a manner as possible for all homeowners and the first of these came into operation on 25 February 2026. The main provision of the Act of 2025 provides that increases in the grant scheme cap and rates from October and November 2024 can retrospectively benefit homeowners that incurred qualifying costs under the grant scheme since 29 March 2024. More recently further provisions commenced on 27 May 2026.
The DCB Scheme enables affected homeowners whose homes are impacted by DCB remediate their homes and move on with their lives. This Scheme offers funding for rebuilding or remediation to the current standard of the home. The terms of the scheme, as legislated for, provides for like for like, that is, the replacement of the home to the standard of the building regulations at the time it was built.
Homeowners may however carry out such additional upgrades under the scheme but the marginal cost of such works must be paid for by the homeowner, in the same way as non-defective concrete block affected homeowners must pay for upgrades to their homes.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under the aegis of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment offers a range of grants to help improve a home’s energy efficiency.
In 2024 the SEAI announced measures to help households availing of the DCB Scheme to also access SEAI grants to improve the energy performance of their homes under similar terms and conditions as those which apply to all homeowners in the State. These changes meant that households in the DCB Scheme have the opportunity to avail of SEAI grants of up to €37,500. This amount is in addition to the grants available for affected homeowners under the DCB Scheme.
My Department remains fully committed to continuing to engage with stakeholders to ensure that the views of relevant stakeholders on the operation of the Scheme can, and are being heard. An Implementation Steering Group for the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme has been in place since 2023. The Group meets regularly and keeps the scheme under review. The most recent meeting was on 15 June 2026 with a further meeting scheduled to take place on 23 June 2026.
455. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason there has been a near two year delay in the installation of a water tap promised by Waterways Ireland (details supplied); if he will provide a timeline for the installation of the tap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47413/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaterways Ireland is a North South Implementation Body established under the British Irish Agreement of 10 April 1998. It is funded by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.
The detailed information requested in relation to the installation of a water tap at the 12th Lock on the Royal Canal is not held in my Department. However, arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost-effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for Waterways Ireland is oireachtas@waterwaysireland.org
456. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the development of an executive management board to direct Waterways Ireland, as recommended in 2021 (details supplied); the timeframe for the establishment of such a board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47414/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaterways Ireland is North-South Body under the British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999, and as such was established without a Board. The functions of the Agency are exercised by a Chief Executive under the direction of the North South Ministerial Council.
In 2021, the North South Ministerial Council agreed that officials from the sponsor departments, in consultation with the Joint Secretariat of the NSMC would explore options for the establishment of a Board to oversee the work of Waterways Ireland. This matter remains under consideration, with a view to bringing proposals to a future meeting of the Council.
457. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he recognises the financial difficulties being faced by older persons and pensioners due to increases in rents under local authority differential rent schemes; if consideration will be given to introducing protections for pensioners and those on fixed incomes who are seeing their rents increase based on small increases to their social welfare income, including State pension, which may be their only income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47510/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities set and collect rents on their dwellings in accordance with section 58 of the Housing Act 1966. The making or amending of such rent schemes is generally a matter for local authorities within broad principles set out by my Department, including that rent levels should be based on income and reflect tenants’ ability to pay.
Local discretion and flexibility are inherent in the devolved function of administering rent schemes. Local authorities carry out regular rent reviews to ensure that the rent payable by tenants reflects their income and their ability to pay. Any increases in income, including those from an increase in social welfare or pension payments, are reflected in the rent calculated on foot of these reviews which are entirely matters for individual local authorities in line with the rent scheme it has in place. I have no role in this regard.
All local authority differential rent schemes contain a hardship clause, which allows that in exceptional circumstances where payment of the rent calculated in accordance with the scheme would, in the opinion of the local authority, give rise to hardship, the authority may agree to accept a lesser sum from a tenant for a specified period. Local authorities will also advise households in financial difficulties of the services of MABS, the Money Advice and Budgeting Service.
458. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, in light of the fact that IS465 now includes the testing of foundations for deleterious materials, if existing legislation will be amended of a statutory instrument signed so that the defective concrete block scheme will include funding to replace foundations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47513/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 as amended by the Act of 2025 underpins the Grant Scheme which provides grant funding to people whose homes have been affected by Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB).
A number of amendments contained in the Act of 2025 came into operation on 25 February 2026 and more recently further provisions commenced on 27 May 2026.
The National Standards Authority Ireland (NSAI) have recently (2 June 2026) published a revised standard, I.S. 465:2026.
As per section 51 of the 2022 DCB Act, I now intend to launch a review of the operation of the Act as quickly as possible. The 2022 Act mandates that not later than 3 months after completion of this review that I, as Minister, shall make a report to each House of the Oireachtas of my findings and conclusions resulting from that review.
Matters relating to foundations can be considered as part of the review.
460. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department plans to review boundaries in advance of the 2029 Local Election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47559/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 23 of the Local Government Act 2001 empowers the Minister to divide a local authority administrative area into local electoral areas by order. However, in advance of deciding to make an order under section 23 of the 2001 Act, the Minister must, in accordance with section 32(2) of the Local Government Act 1991, request An Coimisiún Toghcháin to prepare a report having regard to such matters as may be specified by the Minister.
Before making a request to An Coimisiún, section 61 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 provides that the Minister shall lay a draft of the request before each House of the Oireachtas for approval by resolution by each House. Following the completion of a review, the Minister must publish the report of An Coimisiún and must have regard to the report in deciding whether to make an order in relation to any amendment to local electoral area boundaries or municipal districts.
The current configuration of local electoral areas has applied since the 2019 local elections, and followed a review of local electoral area boundaries conducted in two parts, both published in 2018. I will consider the need for future boundary reviews in advance of the 2029 local elections.
461. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the number of Housing Adaptation Grants annually approved but not drawn down by the application as they are unable to fund part or all of works needed up front; the assistance that is available to those in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47584/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra462. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the number of Mobility Aids Grants annually approved but not drawn down by the application as they are unable to fund part or all of works needed up front; the assistance that is available to those in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47585/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra463. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the number of Housing Aid for Older Persons Grants annually approved but not drawn down by the application as they are unable to fund part or all of works needed up front; the assistance that is available to those in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47586/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 461, 462 and 463 together.
My Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities under the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People scheme, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants, which include the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, are funded by my Department with a contribution from the local authority. The detailed administration of the scheme including assessment, approval, prioritisation and budgetary apportionment is the responsibility of local authorities.
The Exchequer funding available for these grants in 2026 has been increased substantially by €30 million to almost €130 million, or over €152 million when accounting for the local authority contribution, continuing the year on year increases since 2014.
My Department carried out a review of the Housing the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People scheme including a review of the Means Test, and the Report on the Review is available on my Department’s website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/report-on-the-review-of-the-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
The Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 612 of 2024), which came into effect on 1 December 2024, provide the legal basis for the introduction of the recommendations set out in the review. The key changes include an increase in the grant limits of over 30% and the income thresholds by 25% whilst also revising the means test. The legislation also adjusts the burden sharing for local authorities by reducing the local authority funding contribution to 15% (from the previous 20%).
The grants available operate on a sliding scale with the highest percentage grants available to those with the lowest incomes and vice versa. The schemes are means tested and grant assistance is available to applicants whose assessed household income, after disregards and deductions, is up to €75,000 per annum. The household income approach is intended to spread the benefits of the grant scheme as widely as possible and to ensure fairness and value for money in operation of the scheme towards those with the greatest needs.
Local authorities, in administering the scheme, work with qualifying applicants to secure the most beneficial outcome possible in line with the applicants' financial circumstances and within the parameters of the Grant Scheme. Having considered all of the circumstances in any particular case, it is a matter for the local authority to determine grant eligibility. Therefore, details in relation to individual applications are not collated by my Department and may be available from the respective local authority upon request.
464. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total landholding of his Department, broken down by county, including the amount currently unused or vacant, the portion zoned for development, and the number of sites that include vacant or derelict properties. [47628/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
465. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeframe for funding and delivery of the 82 Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund projects approved recently given that the total cost of the projects approved is €862 million while the allocation for HIIF under A.21 for 2026 is €205 million. [47636/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the NDP Review Government allocated €1bn over 2026 to 2030 toward the new Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF). The Fund is managed by the Housing Activation Office in my Department.
A total of 138 applications were received under Call 1 of the fund from 30 Local Authorities and the Land Development Agency. Following a detailed assessment process, 82 projects have been approved for inclusion in the HIIF programme under Call 1.
A full list of projects accepted to the HIIF programme can be accessed at the following link: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/9d47d273/Housing_Infrastructure_Investment_Fund_Call_1_-_List_of_Projects.pdf
The programme is multi-annual in nature reflecting Government’s allocation under the NDP Review. HIIF funding will be allocated on annual basis through the annual Estimates process, having regard to project progress and in line with the progression of projects through delivery stages. This approach ensures that investment under the HIIF is planned and delivered in a structured, sustainable and multi-annual manner, while maintaining momentum in addressing critical infrastructure constraints to accelerate housing supply.
466. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the options available when a person cannot afford the necessary GP fees to fulfil criteria for a form of housing assistance when the person does not qualify for a medical card or GP-visit card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47658/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended. The allocation of local authority dwellings, including the prioritisation of certain households, is a matter for the local authority concerned, in accordance with their allocation schemes made under section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Regulations.
A revised Social Housing Support Application Form was introduced with effect from 19 April 2021. The new form provides for an additional form which an applicant who wants to apply for assessment for priority support based on medical need or disability must complete, namely, the HMD-Form 1. This form is for anyone applying for social housing or a social housing transfer due to a disability or medical grounds. It provides for a variety and wider range of healthcare professionals to complete the form than previous iterations. This can include professionals involved with the person with a disability or medical condition, such as a consultant, general practitioner, mental health nurse, public health nurse, occupational therapist or social worker. The requirement for two healthcare professionals from this wider cohort ensures that the local authority has enough information to enable it to make informed decisions on the appropriate housing need of the applicant.
Where an applicant household cannot provide the necessary documentation, the local authority has discretion to request alternate documentation in order to satisfy itself in relation to any or all of the requirements. I am therefore satisfied that there is no necessity to change the requirements.
467. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the basis on which he decided not to intervene in respect of lands at Strandhill, County Sligo (details supplied); whether his office received any representations from any landowner, developer, or public representative in relation to those lands prior to that decision; and if so, to identify who made such representations and when. [47677/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 31 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 empowers the Minister to direct a planning authority to take such measures as he or she may require to ensure that its development plan complies with the requirements of the Act. The use of this power is conditional on the Minister first receiving a formal recommendation on the matter from the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) and thereafter forming the opinion that one or more of the criteria set out in section 31(1) of the Act apply.
These matters include, but are not limited to, where a plan fails to set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, or where a plan is not consistent with the objectives of the National Planning Framework (NPF) and/or the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES). The OPR has statutory responsibility for the formal evaluation and assessment of local authority plans and is statutorily independent of the Minister in the performance of this function.
The Sligo County Development Plan 2024-2030 was made by the elected members of Sligo County Council on 30 September 2024. In accordance with the provisions of section 31AM(8) of the Act, where it considers that it is merited, the OPR may recommend that the Minister exercise his or her function to issue a direction to a planning authority in relation to a development plan, as set out above. In such instances, the OPR issues a notice letter to the Minister setting out its recommendation. The OPR issued a notice to the Minister regarding the Sligo County Development Plan on 27 October 2024.
Pursuant to the recommendation received, on 8 November 2024 the then Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon TD, wrote to the Chief Executive of Sligo County Council giving notice of his intention to issue a direction in relation to the Sligo County Development Plan 2024-2030. A draft of the proposed direction was contained in the notice in accordance with section 31(4) of the Act.
In accordance with section 31(7) of the Act, the draft Direction was made available for public inspection by Sligo County Council and submissions were invited by the Council during the period from 25 November 2024 to 9 December 2024. Subsequently, the Chief Executive of Sligo County Council prepared a report dated 14 January 2025 on submissions received during the consultation period and made recommendations on how to give effect to the draft Direction.
In addition to the abovementioned public consultation, section 31(10) of the Act provides that the elected members of the relevant planning authority may make a submission directly to the OPR at any time up to the expiry of the consultation period and where so submitted, shall send a copy of such submission to the Minister.
The OPR considered the Chief Executive’s report and submissions received directly from elected members and on 31 January 2025 issued a notice under section 31AN(4) of the Act recommending that the Minister issue the Direction with minor amendments. The OPR’s notice letter to the Minister provides an overview of the submissions made directly to it under section 31(10), which included 3 submissions from elected members of Sligo County Council received within the statutory period afforded under the Act. This letter is accessible at: https://www.opr.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1-OPR-Proposed-Direction-Sligo-CDP-2024-2030.pdf.
It is important to note further to section 31(10) of the Act that there is no statutory provision to enable the Minister to accept submissions or representations in relation to a draft Direction from any persons other than the elected members.
Having received the OPR’s recommendation, on 20 February 2025, Minister for Housing Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD published a newspaper notice under section 31AN(16)(a) of the Act giving notice that:
• having regard to the nature and number of amendments recommended to be directed, the giving of the Direction to the planning authority would require the making of a material alteration to the Sligo County Development Plan 2024-2030;
• the Minister’s decision under section 31AN(4A) of the Act shall be subject to section 31AN(16).
Section 31AN(16) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 relates to environmental assessment of any material alteration to a development plan that would arise from a Ministerial Direction proposed to be issued in relation to that plan.
Where a material alteration would arise from a proposed Direction, the Minister must determine if it requires to be assessed in accordance with the EU Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (for SEA) and/or the EU Habitats Directive (for Appropriate Assessment).
Where environmental assessments have been determined to be required, the Minister must carry out the SEA and/or AA within a time period determined by the Minister.
On 1 May 2026, the Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD, issued a letter notifying Sligo County Council of his decision under section 31AN(4A)(b) of the 2000 Act not to agree with the recommendation of the OPR to issue a direction in respect of six identified parts of the recommended proposed final direction. The detailed reasons for this decision are set out in a Statement of Reasons prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Act. The statement is available on the Department’s website at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/statement-of-reasons-pursuant-to-section-31an4ab-of-the-planning-and-development-act-2000-sligo-county-development-plan-2024-2030/
The remaining 16 parts of the proposed final direction recommended by the OPR remain subject to an ongoing statutory process and a Ministerial decision will issue in respect of those parts at a later date subject to the completion of any necessary steps that may be determined to be applicable under section 31AN(16)(b) of the Act.
468. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the upcoming National Planning Statement on short term lets will be published; if he intends to provide planning exemptions for historic properties that cannot contribute to long-term housing supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47774/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) has drafted the Short Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill General Scheme in full alignment with the EU Short Term Rental Regulation. The introduction of the STLT Bill will provide a more effective legal and administrative basis to regulate short term lettings. This Bill when enacted will provide the statutory basis for the introduction of a register for all Short Term Lettings in Ireland, which will be implemented and managed by Fáilte Ireland.
In line with the proposed introduction of DETE’s STLT Bill, all short-term letting accommodation providers will be required to register with Fáilte Ireland. As part of the registration process, accommodation providers will need to confirm that they are planning compliant.
The Planning Acts provide that the short-term letting of a residential property is a material change of use of the property concerned, thereby requiring planning permission, unless otherwise specifically exempted. A threshold-based approach to consenting by planning authorities is proposed to generally preclude new planning permissions for short-term lets in larger towns and cities with a population in excess of 20,000, amounting to twenty five towns at the most recent Census of Population. It is intended that accommodation providers in all other locations, i.e. outside the largest towns and cities, will be able to avail of an extended period to meet planning compliance requirements.
To ensure that there is a clear view, both at national level and local authority level, as to the overall policy approach to determining planning applications for short-term lets, my Department is currently finalising a National Planning Statement (NPS) on Short-Term Letting to supplement and support the introduction of the STLT Bill.
On 16 June, Government noted the draft NPS on Short-Term Letting. This draft will now be subject to a Strategic Environmental Assessment process and the EU Services Directive 2006/123/EC notification process. A finalised version of the NPS, having regard to the outcomes of the environmental assessment and EU notification, will require further Government approval.
469. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has concerns that the lack of a minimum threshold under Regulation (EU) 2024/900 in relation to hosting an online transparency notice may place serious burdens on those engaged in political life, particularly at local government level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47851/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegulation (EU) 2024/900 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transparency and targeting of political advertising was adopted by the European institutions on 13 March 2024. The Regulation aims to make it easier for voters to recognise political advertisements, understand who is behind them and know whether they have received a targeted advertisement, so that they are better placed to make informed choices during elections and referendums.
The European Union (Political Advertising) Regulations 2025 (S.I. No. 474 of 2025), which were made under section 3 of the European Communities Act 1972, facilitate the implementation in Ireland of Regulation (EU) 2024/900 on the transparency and targeting of political advertising. The European Union (Political Advertising) Regulations 2025 commenced to have effect directly in the State on 10 October 2025 in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2024/900.
In line with its “Better Regulation” policy, the European Commission undertook a detailed Impact Assessment on its "Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the transparency and targeting of political advertising" and held an open public consultation from 22 January 2021 to 2 April 2021. The Impact Assessment considered the regulatory burdens linked to the Regulation. The Impact Assessment and associated documents can be accessed on the website of the European Commission at https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12826-Political-advertising-improving-transparency_en.
470. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider making grant aid available to persons on limited incomes seeking to purchase and install modular homes in line with the Planning and Development Act 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47857/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAffordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of the Government’s housing policy, as embodied within the new housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 – 2030.
The new Plan reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by the Government to tackle the issues of supply and affordability, thereby supporting the increased provision of new homes to purchase and rent.
The Government is investing an unprecedented level of funding to increase housing supply, including through the new Starter Homes Programme with a view to delivering an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030. With a strong focus on delivery, the Plan will enable housing delivery partners to accelerate the supply of new starter homes, providing thousands of individuals and families with increased access to secure and affordable housing solutions nationwide.
A list of affordable housing supports in place is available at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/. A number of these schemes can be combined, thereby providing additional affordability support.
There are no plans to introduce additional schemes or grants at this time.
471. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the local authority home loan funding model will be extended to allow for the purchase and installation of modular homes under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47858/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Authority Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage for creditworthy applicants who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build.
The Local Authority Home Loan can be used to construct a modular home or log cabin, if the dwelling has a guaranteed lifespan of a minimum of 60 years, is a permanent immovable structure on the site and is fully compliant with building regulations and planning requirements.
The purchase of a completed eligible modular home or log cabin is treated in a similar manner to the purchase of a completed traditionally built home. Where are loan is sought for the purchase, construction and erection of a home the loan will be classified as a self-build mortgage. As with all self-build mortgages, funding may be drawn down following the certification and completion of agreed stages.
