Minister O’Brien launches expanded Local Authority Home Loan scheme

                            Changes will assist single applicants in Fingal
 
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien, TD has today [January 4th 2022] announced a newly expanded Local Authority Home Loan scheme.
The changes announced will make it easier for single applicants in Fingal to avail of a State backed mortgage for a new, second-hand or self-build home. A ‘Fresh Start’ principle also applies which means that people who are divorced or separated and have no interest in the family home, or who have undergone insolvency proceedings, will be eligible to apply also.
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “Supporting home ownership is a key objective for this Government. In Housing for All, our new Plan for housing in Ireland we committed to introducing a reformed Local Authority Home Loan scheme to further support access to homeownership for creditworthy homebuyers who otherwise find it difficult to access sufficient finance.
“Through these changes I am now raising the income ceiling for a single applicant by €15,000 to €65,000 in counties Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow.
“The 175 sq. metres limit on the property has also been removed.
“This comes on top of enhancements already made to the scheme. In September I lowered the interest rate for local authority lending by 0.25% and this lower interest rate will continue to apply to loans issued under the Local Authority Home Loan.
“Ultimately, this Government, through Housing for All, is working to put the dream of homeownership back in reach for people in North County Dublin where we know there are massive affordability constraints. Today’s announcement is another step in that direction,” he concluded.