New affordable housing scheme launched for Cork

A NEW affordable housing scheme on the outskirts of Cork city will open to applications later this month.

Cork City Council, in partnership with Vella Homes, has announced the launch of the scheme at Danesfort, White’s Cross.

The council’s assistant chief executive Brian Geaney said it marks a “further significant milestone in Cork City Council’s ambitious affordable housing targets and will provide quality homes for eligible applicants in Cork”.

“The Danesfort scheme is the sixth Cork City Council affordable housing scheme in recent times and demonstrates a continuing commitment by Cork City Council to deliver on affordable housing targets, set out in the Government’s national housing plan, Housing for All,” said Mr Geaney.

The development consists of 64 affordable homes, which are available for sale via Cork City Council’s local authority affordable purchase scheme.

It comprises 58 three-bedroom and six two-bedroom homes.

The Danesfort homes are generally available for first-time buyers, although exceptions will apply for ‘fresh start’ applicants.

It is envisaged there will be significant interest in the affordable housing scheme.

Under its terms, purchasers will enter an affordable dwelling purchase agreement with the local authority, which will see the council retaining a percentage equity share in the house equal to the difference between its open market value and the price paid by the purchaser.

Cork City Council said the homes are available for sale from about 20% below open market values to those who qualify for the affordable housing scheme.

The two-bedroom homes are available from €261,000 and the scheme’s three-bedroom homes are on sale from €296,000.

However, Independent councillor Ken O’Flynn said that he believes such price points “still raise concerns about true affordability for many individuals and families”.

“While commendable that the scheme aims to offer homes below open market values and provide quality housing in a sought-after area, the underlying problem remains that the cost of housing in general is not in line with the financial means of a large portion of the population,” said Mr O’Flynn.

People who may be interested in applying for the Danesfort scheme are advised to familiarise themselves with the qualification criteria and the documentation required, details of which are available on www.danesfortwhitescross.ie.

Applications can be made from 12pm on Tuesday, May 21, to midnight on Tuesday, June 11, via an online application portal, available on the same website.