In response to the pressing need for affordable housing in Dublin 15, Fingal County Council has partnered with GEM Construction to deliver 180 affordable homes in the Church Fields development in Mulhuddart and with Glenveagh to deliver 36 affordable homes in Kilmartin Grove, Dublin 15. This partnership aims to address the challenges faced by many prospective homeowners in bridging the gap between mortgage affordability and deposit requirements in today's property market.
The Church Fields development, located in Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, is set to offer a diverse selection of homes to meet varying household needs. Comprising 59 two-bedroom units and 121 three-bedroom units; Kilmartin Grove, Dublin 15 will consist of 22 two-bedroom mid-terrace units and 14 three-bedroom mid-terrace units, these developments cater to a range of family sizes and preferences. These homes are made available at a reduced price through the Affordable Housing Scheme, with Fingal County Council setting a Minimum Sale Price that is below the Open Market Value.
Eligibility Criteria:
To apply for the Affordable Housing Scheme at Church Fields, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be a first-time buyer or meet the exceptions under the Fresh Start Principle, or own a dwelling which, due to its size, is not suitable for the current accommodation needs of the applicant’s household.
For a 2-bedroom property, the gross household income for the preceding 12 months should be below €68,400. Some exceptions may apply.
For a 3-bedroom property, the gross household income for the preceding 12 months should be below €94,500. Some exceptions may apply.
Each person included in the application must have the right to reside indefinitely in the State.
The affordable home must be the household’s normal place of residence.
To apply for the Affordable Housing Scheme at Kilmartin Grove, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be a first-time buyer or meet the exceptions under the Fresh Start Principle, or own a dwelling which, due to its size, is not suitable for the current accommodation needs of the applicant’s household.
For a 2-bedroom property, the gross household income for the preceding 12 months should be below €87,638. Some exceptions may apply.
For a 3-bedroom property, the gross household income for the preceding 12 months should be below €94,050. Some exceptions may apply.
Each person included in the application must have the right to reside indefinitely in the State.
The affordable home must be the household’s normal place of residence.
Priority and Application Process:
Applications will be prioritised based on the time and date of submission. Additionally, 30% of the homes will only be available to applicants who have been or are currently, residents in the administrative area of Fingal County Council for a minimum period of 5 years.
Applications can be made via an online portal (for Church Fields click here/for Kilmartin Grove click here). Further information on the scheme, including the Scheme of Priority, guide to making an application is available at Fingal County Council's Affordable Housing.
Documentation Required for Online Affordable Housing Scheme Application
Mandatory Documentation Required at the Time of Application
Proof of Income:
Employed Applicants:Â Most recent Employment Detail Summary (previously P60) from www.revenue.ie/MyAccount. Additionally, a completed salary certificate, (payslips will not suffice) from the employer is required.
Self-Employed Applicants:Â Upload Accountants Report/Audited Accounts (2 Years Required), Current Tax Balancing Statement, and Current Preliminary Revenue Tax Payment Receipt.
Unemployed Applicants:Â Statement of total benefits received from Social Welfare, obtainable from your local Social Welfare/Intreo office.
Proof of Citizenship:
Passport or Birth Certificate. If providing a Birth Certificate, upload a photographic ID such as a valid passport, EU Identity Card, or EU/EEA Driving Licence for every applicant.
Proof of Right to Reside in Ireland (if applicable):
For non-EU/EEA applicants: Copy of Irish Resident Permit (IRP) Stamp 4 card.
UK citizens: Considered legally resident in Ireland, in accordance with Common Travel Area requirements.
Evidence of Ability to Finance the Purchase:
Mortgage letter of approval in principle from a Bank / Building Society / Local Authority.
Proof of savings and deposit in the form of a current bank statement dated within the last 6 months. Include proof of Help-to-Buy if applicable.
Proof of Buyer Status:
For First-Time Buyers: Confirmation of eligibility for the Help to Buy Scheme from the Revenue portal. If not availing Help to Buy, provide a sworn affidavit from a Solicitor confirming first-time buyer status.
For Fresh Start Applicants: Court Decree/Solicitor's letter confirming divorce/separation, or proof of divestment through insolvency/bankruptcy proceedings. Valuation of current property if not suited to household needs.
Other Documentation:
Proof of Residency in the Fingal Administrative area for a minimum of 5 years (if applicable under the 30% Residency Rule):
Series of utility bills
Bank/Credit Union statements
Documents issued by any government department showing the address (ensure the date is valid).
Note:Â Additional documentation may be requested at a later stage if the application is successful. Ensure all documents provided are accurate and up-to-date to expedite the application process. For further details, visit Fingal County Council's Affordable Housing page.
Please find the Frequently Asked Questions for Church Fields and Kilmartin Grove.
To summarise, the combination of Local Authority Home Loans, the 'Fresh Start' principle, and the equity share model represents a comprehensive approach to addressing housing affordability issues. The Local Authority Home Loans initiative provides a lifeline to first-time buyers and fresh start applicants by financing up to 90% of the property's market value, allowing them to enter the property market with fewer financial constraints.
At the same time, the implementation of the 'Fresh Start' principle recognises diverse circumstances such as divorce, insolvency, or overcrowded living conditions, ensuring inclusivity in affordable housing programmes. This principle not only broadens access but also demonstrates the government's commitment to assisting individuals who have previously faced homeownership barriers.
Furthermore, the implementation of the equity share model through the Affordable Home Purchase Scheme promotes financial flexibility and long-term sustainability. Buyers can secure homes at reduced prices by entering into Affordable Dwelling Purchase Agreements with local authorities, while also retaining the option to redeem or 'buy out' the equity share at their discretion.
I hope this is of assistance to you, please Vote #1 Shashank Chakerwarti on June 7th 2024.