COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF TERENURE-RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE (2)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
MOTION NO. 9
MOTION: Councillor C. Keane
"That this Committee discusses the affordable housing provision going forward – taking into consideration some units are on offer for sale for less than the affordable rate in some developments; to outline how SDCC proposes to attract uptake on affordable housing."
REPORT:
South Dublin County Council currently has 247 homes available for sale. 85 of the homes are in the ownership of South Dublin County Council and the remaining 162 are being sold directly to eligible applicants by the developer through the direct sales process.Because of the current economic conditions,falling house prices on the open market,difficulties sourcing mortgage finance,both the Council and developers are encountering challenges in selling the affordable homes. At present there are 2585 approved applicants for affordable housing on our list.
While this Council has been in discussions with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to the foregoing issue, the Affordable Homes Partnership has co-ordinated the position nationally on unsold homes on behalf of the Department of the Environment , Heritage and Local Government. The matter is of concern for a number of local authorities nationally and is under review. A number of options such as ;
- Affordable rental
- Rent to buy option
- Transfer to Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) where appropriate
- Transfer to social housing where appropriate and subject to DOE funding.
- Discounting the affordable price
are currently being examined by this local authority and other local authorities together with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in order to reach a satisfactory solution.
In developments where the price of the homes remains affordable when compared to the current market price, our marketing strategy is being reviewed in an effort to sell the current stock. However, this Council is conscious of the fact that the eligible applicants have to be provided with a home that is reasonably priced, affordable and suitable to their needs.