The Land Development Agency (LDA) has announced the launch of 92 affordable purchase homes in Summerfields, Kilbarry, Co Waterford.
Affordable Purchase Scheme
The homes are being made available under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme to eligible buyers in partnership with Waterford City and County Council and are part of the LDA’s Project Tosaigh initiative.
The new homes, developed by the Whitebox Group, are located in Elder Walk, Summerfields, Kilbarry, Co Waterford.
Summerfields
Summerfields is Waterford’s newest planned ‘urban village’ and is within walking distance of the city’s main educational and employment centres, SETU and the IDA industrial park. The Waterford Greenway is within easy cycling distance of the location, while proximity to Waterford’s outer ring road provides convenient access to the city centre and University Hospital Waterford as well as Tramore and Dunmore East.
The homes, built by the Whitebox Group, include a mix of three- and four-bed semi-detached houses with private gardens set in a well-designed and landscaped estate. The houses have an A2 BER rating, air-to-water heat pump units and high levels of floor, wall and roof insulation throughout.
Waterford City and County Council
Waterford City and County Council is managing the application process for prospective purchasers, and application details are available here.
The Council will provide an ‘Affordable Dwelling Contribution’ or equity share arrangement to reduce the upfront purchase price payable by successful applicants. Affordable Housing Funding will be available depending on the income of successful applicants, their deposit and their savings.
Prices start from €226,564 for three-bed semi-detached houses and €256,214 for four-bed semi-detached houses net of the Affordable Dwelling Contribution, with buyers able to get support through the Government’s Help to Buy scheme. The application process is open with over 22 approved applicants and 70 additional homes due for completion in 2023.
Ivan Grimes, Director of Services with Waterford City & County Council, said: “The delivery of this affordable housing scheme by the Land Development Agency and the Whitebox Group under the Project Tosaigh initiative is a very welcome development. Waterford City & County Council is delighted to be able to assist prospective buyers through the application process to their ultimate aim of home ownership.”
Land Development Agency
John Coleman, Chief Executive, LDA, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of these affordable purchase homes in Kilbarry under the Project Tosaigh initiative. This scheme, in partnership with Waterford City and County Council, offers eligible buyers a wonderful opportunity to secure their own home at an affordable price. These homes are priced well below market value, and this launch will be welcome news to prospective buyers in the area, which is in need of high-quality, affordable homes.”
Project Tosaigh is a government initiative in which the state steps in to purchase housing in cases where developers have planning permission, but delivery has either not commenced or stalled. Under this scheme, the LDA is due to deliver at least 5,000 homes by 2026.
The Affordable Purchase Scheme helps people on low to moderate incomes buy homes at reduced prices.
Affordable Purchase Scheme Eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria for the scheme can be found on the LDA’s website. Applications can be made at:https://www.waterfordcouncil.ie/departments/housing/affordable-housing.htm