Purchasing your Council House
If you have been a tenant of a Local Authority house for at least one year then you may apply to your Local Authority to buy it.
Certain categories of dwelling shall not be offered for sale under the scheme:
- houses provided for and occupied by elderly persons, or demountable or mobile dwellings or
- flats, or
- houses that, in the opinion of the housing authority, ought not be sold for reasons of good estate management or on account of their structural condition, or ought not be sold for the time being on account of any proposals the authority may have to carry out works of improvement to the houses,
- dwellings, occupied by tenants where rent payment records may reflect an inability to meet the repayments required under the scheme in cases where a local authority purchase loan is sought.
The Price
The price of the house will be its *market value as determined by the Local Authority in its existing state of repair and condition, minus discounts.
*"market value" means the amount which, in the opinion of the housing authority, the house, if sold on the open market in its existing state of repair and condition and without reference to special conditions, might be expected to realise, reduced by the portion, if any, of such value that, in the opinion of the authority, is attributable to improvements to the house, other than those carried out by the authority.
Can a tenant contest a Local Authority Valuation?
Yes, but a valuation certificate from a qualified valuer must be submitted to support your claim. In the event of a significant difference between the authority's original valuation and that submitted by the tenant, the Council may refer the matter to the Valuation Office.
Mortgage
You can either get a mortgage with a bank or building society or you may qualify for a Local Authority Loan.
Discount
The following deductions are made from the market value of the house to arrive at the actual amount that will be charged to the tenant purchaser:
- Grant €3,810
- 3% of the market value of the house for each year of tenancy subject to a maximum deduction of 30%.
- Increases in market value due to improvement works the tenant has carried out.
Selling the House
The house must, unless Roscommon County Council otherwise allows, be occupied as a normal place of residence by the purchaser, his/her family or successor in title. If you wish to sell the house within a period of 20 years from the date of purchase or before you have acquired full ownership, you will require the written consent of the Council. Evidence of having alternative accommodation will be required by the Council prior to granting consent.
How to Apply
Tenant Purchase Scheme - Form to Purchase Dwelling.pdf (size 6.1 KB)