Longford County Council showcase Starter Home Purchase Scheme at PTSB Ideal Home Show

LONGFORD County Council recently showcased its new Starter Home Purchase Scheme at the PTSB Ideal Home Show, generating significant interest from prospective homebuyers seeking affordable pathways to home ownership.

As part of the programme, The Housing Activation team delivered a series of seminars throughout the event, providing attendees with comprehensive information on the Starter Home Purchase Scheme. The presentations outlined the scheme’s eligibility criteria, application process, and key benefits, while also promoting the Council’s current open scheme.

The seminars were well attended and included interactive question-and-answer sessions, providing prospective applicants with an opportunity to seek clarification on the scheme and discuss their individual circumstances. These sessions proved particularly valuable in addressing common queries, increasing awareness of the supports available, and helping attendees better understand the pathway to home ownership through the scheme.

Longford County Council’s Starter Home Purchase Scheme offers 25 high-quality A-rated family homes at Cúirt an Easpaig, Ballinalee Road, Longford Town. The scheme is designed to help bridge the gap between household incomes and house prices by making homes available below market value. Eligible purchasers may be able to access support of up to €95,000 towards the purchase of their new home. The Starter Home Purchase Scheme can also be combined with the Help to Buy Scheme.

Eligible first-time buyers may also qualify for up to €30,000 towards their deposit, making home ownership more affordable. This support is due to increase up to €35,000 from next year following the recent Budget announcement, making home ownership even more attainable. Interest in the scheme was strong throughout the Ideal Home Show, with many attendees keen to learn more about affordable home ownership opportunities in Longford.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Gerry Hagan, and Chief Executive Samantha Healy attended the event alongside staff from the Housing Section and representatives from DNG Begley, Athlone, to engage directly with prospective purchasers and answer queries about the scheme and life in Longford.

The Cúirt an Easpaig development includes five two-bedroom terrace homes, eight three-bedroom terrace homes and 12 three-bedroom semi-detached homes. All homes are built to an A-rated energy standard, offering excellent comfort, lower energy consumption and reduced household running costs.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Gerry Hagan commented:

“I was delighted to attend the recent PTSB Ideal Home Show to support the Housing Team from Longford County Council. The response at the Ideal Home Show was extremely encouraging. Cúirt an Easpaig presents a real opportunity for individuals and families to purchase a high-quality A-rated home at a price that would otherwise be beyond reach for many buyers. Longford offers affordability, strong community connections, excellent amenities and an outstanding quality of life. We look forward to welcoming new residents who choose to make their home here.”

Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Samantha Healy added:

“Making home ownership affordable is a key priority for Longford County Council, and the level of interest at the Ideal Home Show demonstrated the growing demand for initiatives such as this. The Starter Home Purchase Scheme is helping to make home ownership achievable for more people by reducing the financial barriers faced by many first-time buyers. These homes will support the creation of vibrant, sustainable communities while offering purchasers the opportunity to build their future in Longford. It was heartening to hear the positive feedback from people attending the Ideal Home Show and to be able to showcase all that Longford has to offer prospective new homeowners.”

The scheme offers significant savings when compared to open market prices.

Two-bedroom homes available from €228,220 compared to a market value of €323,220.

Three-bedroom terrace homes available from €309,152 compared to a market value of €404,152.

Three-bedroom semi-detached homes available from €308,759 compared to a market value of €403,759

These discounts give buyers the opportunity to purchase a new family home in a highly sought-after development at a substantially reduced cost.

To support prospective purchasers, Longford County Council also recently launched a new digital brochure showcasing the homes, development layout, eligibility criteria, and benefits of living in Longford. The brochure also provides a step-by-step guide to the application process and can be viewed online here.

The scheme is aimed at first-time buyers and other eligible applicants who are unable to purchase a home at full market value.

Applications will be assessed on a first-come-first-served basis in line with Longford County Council’s Scheme of Priority.

Full details on eligibility criteria, application requirements and the application process are available at www.longfordcoco.ie. For further information email: [email protected] or telephone 043 3343300.

Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme