Newcastlewest, Limerick, IRELAND, 22nd Aug 07 – First time buyers wishing to purchase a property at an affordable price are being handed a lifeline by Limerick County Council, in partnership with a number of local property developers.
Three houses in Newcastlewest are being provided at a discount to the market price to qualifying first time buyers, in accordance with Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2004. Meanwhile, the Local Authority has confirmed that a number of affordable houses will shortly be made available at Abbeyfeale and Kilmallock.
The two semi-detached houses and one mid-terrace house in Newcastlewest form part of the Affordable Housing Scheme, which enables persons to buy newly constructed homes in areas where property prices have created an affordability gap for first time buyers. The property prices range from EUR160,000 for a semi-detached three-bed house at Ferndale to approximately EUR145,000 for a mid terrace house at 'Arra View'.
Cllr. Tom Neville, Cathaoirleach of the Housing and Social Policy Strategic Policy Committee explained, "There are many people who are seeking to own a home but are restricted from doing so because of spiralling house prices. By offering more people the chance to own their home, we will widen opportunity and narrow the wealth gap between those with housing assets and those without."
Cllr. Neville said he was pleased to see that Limerick County Council was addressing the issue of affordability of houses for first-time buyers in Newcastlewest.
"It is heartening, not just for me, but for the people these schemes are intended for to see that the Council has been actively promoting affordable housing developments. The Local Authority plays a major role in the provision of affordable housing to people, who due to their financial circumstances are unable to afford to pay the full market price for a house", he concluded.
To qualify for affordable housing applicants must be a first time buyer, as a guide earn between EUR25,000 and EUR40,000 per annum, be currently employed in full time employment and must occupy the house on a full time basis. Single persons and couples may apply. If the house is sold within 20 years the applicant will have to pay back a percentage of the sale price to the Local Authority.
According to Mary Fogarty, Senior Executive Officer, Housing, Limerick County Council, "Applicants will be assessed against a points-based criteria which includes the current housing circumstances/
Ms Fogarty continued, "Affordable housing applications must be made on the Council's application form and supporting documentation must be submitted with the application in order for the application to be valid. A EUR50 application fee is applicable."
"In addition to the housing units at Newcastlewest, Limerick County Council will have affordable houses in Abbeyfeale and Kilmallock coming on stream within the next couple of months", she concluded.
Application forms for interested persons are available from the Affordable Housing Section, Limerick County Council, County Hall, Dooradoyle, Limerick; (061 496293) or from the Council's area offices at Newcastlewest, (069 62100) Rathkeale (069 64047) Kilmallock (063 98019) or Annacotty (061 331544). Application Forms are also available on the Council's website www.lcc.ie
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
- To arrange an interview please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com.
- For more on affordable housing schemes log on to www.lcc.ie or www.oasis.gov.ie.
Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (Mobile)
00353-656839692 (Fax)
