Affotdable Housing Availble Across Ireland
Updated : Jul 18, 2009
Fingal County Council says it is now possible to being living in a new affordable house within just eight weeks, but many people are missing out because they simply assume they don't qualify.
The council is seeking applications from potential first time buyers and says it has a unprecedented list of houses ready for occupation.
It has been revealed that its property portfolio includes "a wide range of new properties for sale across the County, ready for immediate occupation".
In council terms, an affordable house is a home that you buy at a discount to the market price.
You must live in it and if you sell it within 20 years, you will have to pay back a percentage of the sale price to the local authority.
Traditionally, the scheme has had long waiting lists and applicants went through an often tiresome process. However, the downturn in the property markets has changed that.
"No buying off plans or viewing half-completed properties -- just turn the key and start furnishing. From mortgage approval, to viewing, to signing final contracts and handing over the keys buying one of these properties could take as little as eight weeks," the Council wrote in a statement.
Properties include two and three bed houses, and one, two and three bed apartments and duplexes.
Examples of the properties include a two-bed home in Baldoyle for €190,000 or in Swords from €186,500.
The Council said: "Many people don't realise that they qualify to buy an affordable home but first time buyers earning up to €60,000 can apply to buy these properties."
Loan approval can be sought from any of the participating lenders: EBS, Bank of Ireland, First Active or Ulster Bank.
Once that part of the process is complete, applicants fill out the Councils Affordable Application Housing which should be dealt with within two weeks.
Director of Housing with Fingal County Council Richard Brady said: "We have a great range of houses and apartments available throughout the county, from Baldoyle, Swords, Rush, Donabate, Balbriggan, Ongar, Tyrrelstown, Clonsilla, Porterstown and Finglas".
But he warned: "Now is the time to buy an affordable home, we won't have this selection forever."
