Limerick City and County Council is seeking developers to bring forward new affordable homes across the region.

Home builders are being asked consider offering their uncommenced residential developments with planning permission to Limerick City and County Council under an advance purchase turnkey arrangement. 

The Council is particularly interested in residential developments of between 10 and 150 dwellings, in the areas of Limerick City, Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale, Kilmallock and Castleconnell.

The Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Francis Foley said: "This arrangement with a developer results in the construction of discounted affordable homes for first time buyers and those seeking a fresh start who are currently priced out of housing in their areas. We look forward to hearing from developers and builders and progressing our plans for the provision of affordable housing in Limerick."

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Outlining the process for the advance purchase turnkey arrangement, Administrative Officer in the Affordable Housing Team, Martina Frawley explained: "A developer submits a scheme to us and if it meets certain criteria set down by Government we begin discussions. For example, to help illustrate the principles of the scheme, the Council would agree an all-in cost of €300,000 for a three-bed house. The Affordable Team then applies for a €75,000 grant subsidy from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the developer’s behalf. So, the all-in cost of €300,000 less the grant subsidy of €75,000 leaves a sales price of €225,000, which is a very affordable sales price for many households in Limerick at the moment.  The household pays the sales price to the developer and the Council administers the subsidy to the developer upon completion of the sale. The register of interest for homes will be advertised by the Council well in advance of house completions and plenty of notice will be given to potential buyers in the newspaper and online."

The closing date for this call for Expressions of Interest from home builders and developers has been extended to 17 February 2023.