Cobh affordable housing scheme offers 49 homes

A new affordable housing purchase scheme will be launched by Cork County Council on Monday, October 2, for 49 houses at Cluain Ard in Cobh.

Constructed by Sirio Homes, the two-bed and three-bed houses will be available for first-time buyers who do not own a home, although a small number of exceptions apply, together with Fresh Start Applicants.

The 21 two-bedroom townhouses will be available from €215,000, representing a reduction of approximately 26% from market value, while 28 three-bedroom houses will be available from €245,000, a reduction of approximately 23% from market value.

The A-rated development offers high-quality family homes close to Cork Harbour, the sea, and within walking distance of Cobh town.

Welcoming the new homes, the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn said: “The scheme offers high-quality, affordable homes in a town which is steeped in history, brimming with activities, and picture-perfect from every angle. The houses are priced well below market value and this launch will be welcome news to prospective buyers in the area.”

Council chief executive Tim Lucey said: “These 49 homes are in addition to 30 properties in Mallow and 32 in Carrigaline made available by Cork County Council under the Affordable Housing Purchase Scheme to date this year. There are also a number of schemes that will come online over the coming months in towns across the county where the greatest need has been identified.

“This scheme provides another avenue for council to help deliver on our ambitious plans as set out under the Government’s National Housing Plan, Housing for All,” he added.

Through the scheme, purchasers will enter into an affordable dwelling purchase arrangement with Cork County Council.

Under this arrangement, the council will retain a percentage equity share in the dwelling, equal to the difference between the market value of the dwelling and the price paid by the purchaser, expressed as a percentage of the market value of the dwelling (minimum of 5%).

Applications for the scheme will be accepted between 12 noon, Monday, October 2, and 12 noon, Monday, October 23, via the online application portal on the council’s website www.corkcoco.ie.