Buying your first home in Ireland can feel impossible with current property prices. But the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme (LAAPS) is helping thousands of Irish families achieve homeownership at prices 10-30% below market value.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about affordable purchase schemes in Ireland – from checking your eligibility to collecting the keys to your new home.
What is the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme (LAAPS)?
The Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, commonly known as LAAPS, is a government initiative under the Housing for All plan. It enables eligible first-time buyers to purchase newly built homes at a significant discount to market value.
Here’s how it works: when you buy through LAAPS, the Local Authority takes an equity share in your property. For example, if you purchase a home at 20% below market value, the council retains a 20% stake. This equity share must be repaid when you sell the property or after 40 years – whichever comes first.
Key Benefits of LAAPS
- Discounted prices – Homes sold at 10-30% below market value
- Lower deposit required – Only 10% deposit needed
- Combines with Help to Buy – Use HTB for up to €30,000 towards your deposit
- Long repayment window – 40 years to repay the equity share
- No interest on equity – The equity share doesn’t accrue interest
Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify?
Before applying, you must meet the following requirements:
Basic Requirements
- Be 18 years or older
- Be a first-time buyer (or qualify under Fresh Start provisions)
- Have the right to reside indefinitely in Ireland
- Not have previously purchased or built a home in Ireland or elsewhere
Income Limits
Your gross household income must fall within the limits set by your Local Authority. These vary by region but typically range from:
- Dublin: Up to €100,000 for a single applicant
- Cork, Galway, Limerick: Up to €90,000
- Other areas: Up to €85,000
Note: Income limits vary by Local Authority. Always check with your specific council for current thresholds.
Financial Requirements
- Minimum 10% deposit of the purchase price
- Maximum savings of deposit amount + €30,000
- Must be able to secure a mortgage (maximum 4x your income)
- Must maximise your borrowing capacity from a participating lender
The Application Process: Step by Step
Here’s what to expect from the moment you apply to collecting your keys:
Step 1: Monitor for Available Schemes
Local Authorities advertise affordable housing developments on their websites and social media before applications open. Sign up for email alerts from your local council to be notified when new schemes launch.
Pro tip: Follow multiple councils if you’re flexible on location – this increases your chances of success.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather these documents before the application window opens:
- Valid photo ID (passport, driving licence)
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
- PPS number
- Proof of income (P60, payslips, Revenue documents)
- Bank statements showing savings/deposit
- Mortgage Approval in Principle (AIP)
- Help to Buy approval letter (if applicable)
- First-time buyer declaration
Step 3: Submit Your Application Online
Applications are submitted through the Local Authority’s online portal. Application windows are typically 2-4 weeks – don’t miss the deadline!
You’ll need to:
- Create an account on the council’s affordable housing portal
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all required documents
- Select your preferred property type/size
- Submit before the deadline
Step 4: Eligibility Assessment
The Local Authority reviews all applications to verify eligibility. This typically takes 4-8 weeks. They’ll check:
- First-time buyer status
- Income verification
- Deposit confirmation
- Mortgage approval validity
- Right to reside
Step 5: Lottery Allocation (If Oversubscribed)
When eligible applicants exceed available homes, a lottery system determines allocation. Each Local Authority has a Scheme of Priority that may give preference to:
- Applicants living or working in the area
- Those on social housing waiting lists
- Households with specific needs
The lottery is conducted transparently with a full audit trail to ensure fairness.
Step 6: Property Selection and Offer
Successful applicants are invited to select from available properties. You’ll typically have 72 hours to 2 weeks to:
- View the property
- Review the Affordable Dwelling Purchase Arrangement (ADPA)
- Confirm your mortgage
- Accept or decline the offer
Step 7: Legal Process and Closing
Once you accept, you’ll work with your solicitor to:
- Sign the Affordable Dwelling Purchase Arrangement
- Complete mortgage drawdown
- Pay your deposit and closing costs
- Register the equity share with the Property Registration Authority
Step 8: Collect Your Keys!
Congratulations – you’re now a homeowner! The entire process from application to keys typically takes 3-6 months, depending on the development’s construction timeline.
Timeline Overview
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Application window | 2-4 weeks |
| Eligibility assessment | 4-8 weeks |
| Lottery (if required) | 1-2 weeks |
| Property selection | 1-2 weeks |
| Legal process | 4-8 weeks |
| Total | 3-6 months |
Tips for a Successful Application
- Get mortgage approval early – Have your AIP ready before applications open
- Apply for Help to Buy – This can provide up to €30,000 towards your deposit
- Prepare documents in advance – Don’t scramble when the portal opens
- Apply to multiple schemes – Cast a wider net if you’re location-flexible
- Double-check everything – Incomplete applications may be rejected
- Act quickly – Application windows are short and competitive
Current and Upcoming Schemes (2026)
Several Local Authorities have announced affordable purchase schemes for 2026:
- Dublin City Council – Multiple developments across Dublin
- Fingal County Council – New schemes in North Dublin
- Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown – Shanganagh Castle development
- Cork City Council – Various city and suburban locations
- Galway City Council – An Tobar development
- LDA – Ballymastone, Donabate Phase 2
Check your Local Authority’s website regularly or sign up for their mailing list to receive notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use LAAPS with Help to Buy?
Yes! You can combine LAAPS with the Help to Buy scheme to receive up to €30,000 (or 10% of the purchase price) towards your deposit.
What happens if I want to sell my home?
When you sell, you must repay the Local Authority’s equity share based on the current market value. For example, if they have a 20% share and your home sells for €400,000, you’d repay €80,000.
Can I buy out the equity share early?
Yes, you can buy out the council’s equity share at any time, subject to the terms of your ADPA. The buyout amount is based on the current market value of your property.
What if I’m unsuccessful in the lottery?
Unsuccessful applicants can apply to future schemes. Your eligibility assessment may remain valid for subsequent developments, making reapplication easier.
Need Help Managing Affordable Housing Applications?
If you’re a Local Authority or Approved Housing Body managing affordable purchase schemes, Rentalize can help streamline your application processing, lottery management, and compliance tracking.
View our pricing or book a demo to see how we’re helping Irish councils deliver affordable housing more efficiently.
Sources: Department of Housing, Housing Agency, various Local Authority websites. Information accurate as of January 2026.