Dublin: The Government has announced a significant expansion of the Local Authority Home Loan and the Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan as part of its response to the housing crisis. The revised measures, which include higher property price caps and increased income thresholds, will come into effect in the second quarter of 2026, according to Housing Minister James Browne.
The updated scheme is aimed at assisting first-time buyers and new applicants in purchasing homes, as well as renovating vacant and derelict properties. Eligible applicants may also benefit from the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.
Since February 2018, more than 4,300 people have purchased homes through the Local Authority Home Loan and the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan schemes.
Increased Property Price Limits
Revised maximum property purchase prices under local authority schemes are as follows:
- In Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, Kildare and Wicklow, the cap has increased from €360,000 to €415,000.
- In Galway City, Cork City, Meath and Cork County, the limit has risen from €330,000 to €375,000.
- In Clare, Kilkenny, Limerick, Waterford, Westmeath and Wexford, the ceiling has increased from €300,000 to €345,000.
- In Galway County and Louth, the limit has moved from €330,000 to €345,000.
- In Carlow, Cavan, Donegal, Kerry, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo and Tipperary, the cap has increased from €275,000 to €310,000.
Higher Income Thresholds
The income eligibility threshold for single applicants across all local authority areas has been raised from €70,000 to €80,000. Individuals earning up to €80,000 can now apply independently without requiring a joint application.
For joint applicants, the income threshold remains unchanged at €85,000.
Fixed Interest Rates
The Local Authority Home Loan will continue to be offered at competitive fixed rates:
- 4% fixed for up to 25 years (APR 4.07%)
- 4.05% fixed for up to 30 years (APR 4.13%)
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