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For Written Answer on : 21/06/2022
Question Number(s): 268 Question Reference(s): 32404/22
Department: Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if he has considered or if he will consider extending the eligibility for the local authority home loan scheme to support the refurbishment of inherited property in circumstances in which substantial refurbishment is required in order to bring the property into a habitable condition and in cases in which the applicant has met all other eligibility conditions pertaining to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
The Local Authority Home Loan is a Government backed mortgage for those on modest or low incomes 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. It is the successor to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan.
Property ownership through inheritance is disregarded for this scheme i.e. if you own a house (or portion of a house) that you did not purchase then you are still eligible to apply for the Local Authority Home Loan Scheme.
In line with the previous schemes, the Local Authority Home Loan scheme is designed to enable credit worthy first time buyers to access sustainable mortgage lending to purchase new or second-hand properties in a suitable price range, or to self build; it does not include undertaking renovation projects. I have no plans to change this requirement at present.