Making homes affordable: Longford County Council launching scheme

Longford County Council has announced the launch of its Affordable Homes Purchase Scheme, which will deliver 25 high-quality, energy-efficient family homes at Cúirt an Easpaig, Ballinalee Road, County Longford.

The development comprises five two-bed terrace homes; eight three-bed terrace homes and twelve three-bed semi-detached homes. All properties are built to an A-rated energy standard, ensuring lower energy consumption, improved comfort and reduced household running costs for purchasers.

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The Affordable Homes Purchase Scheme is designed to bridge the gap between household incomes and open-market house prices by offering homes at below market value, with Longford County Council retaining an equity share in each property.

The scheme will officially open for applications on Longford County Council’s online portal on Monday, March 30 at 10am.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Garry Murtagh welcomed the scheme saying, "For too long, young families in Longford have watched homeownership slip beyond reach despite working hard towards that goal. This development brings 25 quality homes within grasp for people who contribute to our community every day. The A-rated design also means lower running costs, a critical consideration when household budgets are already stretched."

Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon added, "These homes represent a genuine opportunity for Longford families who have been priced out of the housing market. We have carefully structured this scheme to remove barriers to homeownership whilst ensuring long term sustainability of affordable housing provision in the county.”

The scheme is primarily aimed at first‑time buyers who do not currently own a property, although limited exceptions may apply. All applications will be assessed in line with Longford County Council’s Scheme of Priority.

Full details, including eligibility criteria, application requirements and the Scheme of Priority, are available on the Council’s website www.longfordcoco.ie/affordable-housing

For more information see the document checklist here: www.longfordcoco.ie/affordable- housing/document-checklist

Pricing structure
* 5 two-bed terrace homes (size 86.66 m2; market value €323,220; Min sale €228,220; Max income approx €69,000)

* 8 three-bed terrace homes (size 127.89 m2; market value €404,152; Min sale €309,152; Max income approx €86,000)

* 12 three-bed semi-detached homes (size 121.48 m2; market value €403,759; Min sale €308,759; Max income approx €86,000)

Public Information sessions
Public Information sessions will take place on the following dates;

-Tuesday, March 10 at 6pm in Longford Áras an Chontae

-Wednesday, March 11 at 6pm in Ballymahon Library

-Thursday, March 12 at 6pm in Granard Library

The sessions will provide information on the Affordable Homes Purchase Scheme and application process, with representatives from Longford County Council, local banks and credit unions available to offer practical advice and respond to questions from prospective applicants.

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If you are interested in attending, please register your interest on Eventbrite.

Enquiries in relation to the Affordable Homes Purchase Scheme can be directed to affordablehomes@longfordcoco.ie