COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, January 09, 2023

QUESTION NO. 9

QUESTION: Councillor Patrick Pearse Holohan

How many houses are currently been reviewed for purchase through the procurement process by SDCC ?

REPLY:

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 allowed the purchase of properties to meet priority needs (e.g., medical needs etc.), to exit households from homelessness, and to acquire specific property types/sizes reflecting local needs. 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 homelessness is together with the specific household needs while alternative accommodation options are also pursued by the Council for the households concerned where 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.

Five property acquisitions with HAP/RAS tenants in situ were completed in 2022 along with eight acquisitions by Approved Housing Bodies, with a further ninety potential acquisitions currently being examined and progressed by the Council following expressions of interest from property owners/landlords wishing to sell their property to the Council.