See below information on schemes as part of Housing for All.

HELP TO BUY INCENTIVE

Operated by the Revenue Commissioners for first time buyers to help with the deposit required. It is a refund of income tax and DIRT tax paid by the applicant in the previous four years up to a maximum of €30,000.

More information: Help to Buy (HTB) scheme (revenue.ie)

VACANT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENT GRANT

A renovation grant for vacant or derelict properties for them to be used as a permanent home or rental property. A grant of up to €50,000 for properties that are certified as having been vacant for at least two years. In cases where a property is certified as having been derelict a further €20,000 can be claimed.

More information: gov - Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (www.gov.ie)

FIRST HOME SHARED EQUITY SCHEME

A scheme to help bridge the gap between your deposit, your approved mortgage and the price of your new home. The scheme provides funding for up to 30% of the property purchase price on properties up to a maximum value of €375,000.

More information: Home (firsthomescheme.ie)

LOCAL AUTHORITY AFFORDABLE PURCHASE SCHEME

Operated by Louth County Council, affordable homes will be advertised as they become available.

More information: Affordable Purchase Scheme - Louth County Council (louthcoco.ie)

PLANNING PERMISSION - LOCAL NEEDS INFORMATION

If you are interested in building a home in a rural area, it is strongly advised to apply for a pre-planning meeting with Louth County Council. There are very strict criteria for to qualify for "local needs" which is basically establishing you have a genuine link to the area and that you need to build a home in a rural area. If negotiating around the purchase of a site, it is strongly advised to ensure the sale is "subject to successful planning permission". You may also wish to check any prior planning refusals for the site.

More information: Contact me to book a pre-planning meeting

SOCIAL HOUSING/ HOUSING ASSISTANCE PAYMENT

To be considered for County Council social housing you are required to apply and meet the relevant income criteria. At present in Louth income limits commence at €35000 net per annum, rising to €46375 net per annum (based on the amount of adults and children in the application)

Where social housing is not currently available, you can apply for HAP (Housing assistance payment) which will make a contribution to your private rental costs.

The County Council publish available properties weekly on the Choice Based Lettings portal (website) where eligible applicants can express their interest in properties.

More information: Social Housing - Louth County Council (louthcoco.ie)

All information correct at time of publishing (April 2024)