Housing Minister "Not Happy" With Affordable Housing Scheme After Kfm Revealed Flaws Impacting Locals

Friday, 30 May 2025 13:24

By Martin Osborne

kfm originally reported how the prices have resulted in first-time buyers who rely on the scheme effectively being locked out of properties officially labelled as affordable.

The Housing Minister is calling for a review into the Home Loan Scheme, after Kfm revealed how some properties for sale in affordable housing schemes were priced above the threshold.

Eight new homes in Naas went on sale on Wednesday, with two and three-beds costing over 365 thousand euro.

The house price limit for State-backed mortgages under the scheme is €360,000 in Kildare.

Kfm originally reported how the prices have resulted in first-time buyers who rely on the scheme effectively being locked out of properties officially labelled as affordable.

Launched in 2022, the Local Authority Home Loan was created for creditworthy applicants who cannot secure adequate mortgages from commercial banks.

It can be used for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build.

Kfm understands that a review of the scheme is underway by the Department of Housing.

Officials are reassessing income thresholds and property price limits, with a focus on ensuring that the loan remains “accessible and relevant” and in line with market values.

Minister James Browne says he is not happy with the current system.

He also said he is "not aware" of how many counties have affordable houses for sale above the threshold of the Home Loan Scheme.

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