COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

QUESTION NO. 21

QUESTION: Councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh

To ask the manager to list the number of properties acquired by Housing Procurement with tenants in situ in 2022, and to indicate whether HAP or RAS properties.

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 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.

The Council is currently reviewing all Expressions of Interest from property owners/landlords wishing to sell their property to the Council and property owners/landlords will be notified of a decision in due course.  There was a total of 7 purchases with HAP/RAS tenants in situ completed or agreed in 2022 and several additional potential purchases being examined.