New "Affordable" Naas Homes Cost More Than Families Are Allowed To Borrow From Council

Tuesday, 4 November 2025 11:25

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News. Got a story? Email news@kfmradio.com

The same issue arose at Lattin Place on Rathasker Road because the three-beds started at €365,000, just five thousand euro over the loan threshold limit.

It’s heartbreak and déjà vu for a mother of two living in Naas who says the latest so-called affordable homes announced for Naas are still out of reach.

Sandra Rowe and her husband both work full time and have been approved for a local authority home loan.

They were priced out of homes at Lattin Place on Rathasker Road because the three-beds started at €365,000, just five thousand euro over the loan threshold limit.

Now, the new Land Development Agency project at Devoy Barracks has left her in the same position.

The A-rated homes are being built on a State-owned site that was previously part of the former Devoy Barracks complex.

The new homes announced for Naas

The three-bedroom homes - the type Sandra Rowe's family would need - start at €365,000, which is €5,000 over the maximum loan threshold allowed in Kildare under the State-backed mortgage scheme.

The new development - called Barracksfield West - will see 219 homes built in total, the first phase bringing 66 of them next year.

The A-rated homes are built on a State-owned site that was previously part of the former Devoy Barracks complex.

There’ll be houses, duplexes and apartments, with prices starting from €243,000 for a one-bed and €292,000 for a two-bed.

Sandra Rowe told Kfm News:

“I have the savings, I have the funds, but the threshold limit is too low. It’s heartbreaking. I will have to continue renting or move back home.”

She said Kildare County Council's "hands are tied" and pointed blame at the Department of Housing.

In May, Housing Minister James Browne confirmed that a review would be been carried out into the local authority home loan scheme, following concerns that so-called affordable homes in Kildare were priced above the scheme’s borrowing limit.

A situation that has now happened again, according to Ms Rowe.

Independent Cllr Bill Clear said "nothing has been learned" and said "there is no joined up thinking".

However, the new development - called Barracksfield West - will see 219 homes built in total, the first phase bringing 66 of them next year.

Applications open on Wednesday, November 26th.

Kfm has contacted the Department of Housing for comment and an update regarding the local authority home loan scheme review.

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