COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, November 14, 2022

QUESTION NO. 11

QUESTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

To ask the Chief Executive to provide a report on the number of properties purchased by the local authority with long-term RAS or HAP tenants in situ since January 2013, to include an outline on how the process works for both tenants and landlord.

REPLY:

A total of 73 properties were purchased with RAS tenants in situ from 2015 to date (a breakdown of the previous tenure of properties purchased before that date is not available) with 5 purchases with HAP/RAS tenants in situ completed or agreed to date in 2022 and several additional potential purchases being examined.

The acquisition of properties is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and subject to prevailing policy.  The Council's delegated authority from DHLGH allowed the purchase of properties to meet priority needs (e.g. medical needs etc.), to exit households from homelessness, and to acquire specific properties types/sizes reflecting local needs.  Our Housing Delivery Action Plan 2022-2026, reflecting the prevailing position at the start of the year, envisaged opportunities for 10-20 additional social homes annually through acquisition but there has been limited availability in the housing market generally to date this year, particularly in the context of our policy of not competing with first-time buyers on the open market.  Our scope for acquisitions has recently been extended to include increased flexibility on the purchase of properties with HAP/RAS tenants in situ who are at risk of homelessness due to Notices to Quit.

Properties for potential acquisition are subject to DHLGH acquisition cost limits and are prioritised based on how imminent the risk of homeleness is together with the specific household needs while alternative accommodation options are also pursued by the Council for the hosueholds concerned as appropriate.  Properties are valued and inspected prior to negotiation/agreement on sale price and once the necessary conveyancing processes are completed a Council tenancy will be put in place for the property.