Cork City Council hands over keys to 300th affordable home in time for Christmas

Cork City Council has handed over the keys to its 300th affordable home — just in time for Christmas.

The house, developed under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme (LAAPS), is in Togher — at Glenmore Heights in Lehenaghmore, which is a new development built in a partnership between Cork City Council and OBR Group.

Homes built under the LAAPS are offered for sale to qualifying first-time buyers from approximately 20% below the open market value, with the local authority taking an equity stake in the property.

Cork City Council was a pioneer nationally in delivering affordable homes under the LAAPS, building the first scheme of its kind in the country at Boherboy Rd in Lotamore in Mayfield.

The city council has gone on to deliver hundreds of new affordable homes in 10 LAAPS developments.

Under the Government’s Housing For All plan, Cork City Council had a target of delivering 378 affordable homes to citizens by 2026.

The council reports 402 affordable homes are either sold or nearing completion, with sales close to complete on several dozen properties.

A further 10 purchasers are due to receive their keys before the end the year, with another 60 due to move into their new affordable homes by March 2026.

“Each set of keys allows a family to put down roots, to gain security, stability, and the opportunity to thrive in a place they can truly call home,” Lord Mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy said.

“But there is still work to do and we remain focused on housing delivery, to ensure that affordable housing is not just a goal, but a reality for generations to come.”

Brian Geaney, the assistant chief executive of Cork City Council, added: “Reaching the milestone of 300 purchasers of an affordable home is a proud moment for Cork City Council.”

For further information, contact affordablehousing@corkcity.ie.