The Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme aims to help people on moderate incomes to buy new homes at reduced prices. New homes under this scheme are located in areas with the greatest housing need and where affordability is a problem. Under the scheme, the Council takes a percentage stake in your home that covers the reduction in price. So, if you buy the home at a 20% discount, the Council will have a 20% stake in your home.

The Survey

In order to help the Council formulate plans for future Affordable Housing (if and where required), we are conducting this survey at this time. Specifically, the survey will gather information on:

• Numbers of people/households interested in affordable housing
• Household income levels (this is important in determining if potential applicants are eligible under the terms of the Scheme)
• Family size
• Type of housing/accommodation required
• House prices that people might be able to afford
• Preferred location.

If you are a ‘First Time Buyer’ or ‘Fresh Start Applicant’ you are invited to complete the survey. Details of the eligibility criteria are available at Eligibility | Affordable Homes Ireland

Important Information

This is a survey of interest in affordable housing purchase only and for the purpose of gathering information on income levels, family size, housing type and location preference. The information will be used to inform the Council on the level of demand and locations for affordable apartments/houses and the property prices that people might be able to afford. This will help us design a scheme with the right type of homes, at the locations and price points that suit the needs of people in so far as possible.

Availability of any affordable housing schemes progressed by the Council in the future will be advertised separately, and a formal application process will apply with the legislation in place at that time.

If you consider you would be interested in applying for an affordable dwelling, you are invited to complete the online survey. The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

The survey is now available on Louth County Council’s website and will be open until 12th August 2024. Data is collected for survey purposes only and there will be no follow up correspondence to submissions.

Online Survey -Terms and conditions

• This is a survey only, for the purpose of gathering information and determining potential levels of interest. It is intended to assist Louth County Council in formulating plans for Affordable Housing Options.

• Eligibility criteria may change from time to time.
• Applicants interested in the Affordable Housing Scheme should note their interest online only.

• Completion of the survey does not imply eligibility or convey approval in any form, to a future offer of affordable housing by Louth County Council.

• This is not a waiting list and will not determine priority .
• The existence of this register does not preclude others from applying to be considered for affordable housing.
• The data submitted by you as part of this submission, will be retained in accordance with the retention schedules for as long as the relevant statutory provisions remain in force and that apply and will be used for the following purposes:-
• The establishment of a register of provisional interest in affordable housing provided by Louth County Council.
• To make further contact with applicants to confirm continuing interest and for final confirmation of actual interest
• The potential onward transfer of the data to a register maintained by Louth County Council of confirmed interest, which can be used as part of the process for final evaluation, prior to provisional approval for affordable housing.
• The potential onward transfer to the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage or the Housing Agency as part of any evaluation or approval process associated with affordable housing.
• As a base register from which a list of approved applications will be derived to be passed on to a builder/developer of affordable homes.

This information is sought by the Housing Department of Louth County Council and retained in pursuance of the functions of Louth County Council as a Housing Authority in relation to housing under the Housing Acts 1966-2015 and in relation to Affordable Housing under Part 5 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and Section 96 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended by provisions within the Affordable Housing Act 2021