Cost Rental Guide
How Cost Rental works in Ireland: eligibility, rents, providers, and current schemes.
Learn more →Ireland Housing Guide
Cost Rental & LAAPS Eligibility Guide
Tools, eligibility criteria, and calculators for Local Authority professionals managing affordable housing schemes in Ireland.
Republic of Ireland
Updated 2026
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Eligibility Calculator Tools
Instantly assess applicant eligibility with our Irish-specific calculators.
Cost Rental Eligibility Calculator
Calculates net income using Irish tax rates (PAYE, PRSI, USC), checks regional income limits (€66k Dublin / €59k elsewhere), and determines the 35% affordability threshold.
Calculate NowAffordable Purchase Calculator (LAAPS)
Performs the financial means test (income x 4), calculates purchasing power, determines equity share, and checks deposit adequacy including Help to Buy (€30,000 max).
Calculate NowScheme
Cost Rental Scheme Ireland
Eligibility criteria and income limits for Cost Rental housing.
Income Limits (Net Annual)
Eligibility based on net household income after Irish tax deductions:
| Region | Net Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Dublin | €66,000 |
| Rest of Ireland | €59,000 |
35% Affordability Threshold
Rent must be affordable relative to household income:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Max Rent-to-Income | 35% |
| Calculation | Monthly rent / Net income |
Property Ownership
Applicants cannot own residential property:
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Can own property? | No |
| Inherited property? | May disqualify |
Key Eligibility Criteria
Summary of all requirements:
- Net income below regional limit
- Rent-to-income ratio 35% or less
- No property ownership
- Not on social housing list
- Genuine housing need
Scheme
Affordable Purchase Scheme (LAAPS)
Local Authority Affordable Purchase eligibility and requirements.
Financial Means Test
Must demonstrate inability to purchase on open market:
| Test | Formula |
|---|---|
| Income Multiplier | Gross Income x 4 |
| Market Threshold | Market Value x 85.5% |
| Pass Condition | Multiplier < Threshold |
Deposit Requirements
Minimum deposit and savings for LAAPS:
| Requirement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | 10% of price |
| Savings Cap | Deposit + €30,000 |
| Help to Buy (max) | €30,000 |
Local Authority Equity Share
The LA retains an equity stake in the property:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical Discount | 15% to 30% |
| LA Equity Stake | Equal to discount % |
| Buyout Option | Available over time |
Purchasing Power Limit
Total purchasing power must not exceed threshold:
| Calculation | Formula |
|---|---|
| Purchasing Power | Mortgage + Deposit + HTB |
| Maximum Limit | 95% of Market Value |
Reference
Irish Tax Calculation Reference
PAYE, PRSI, and USC rates for net income calculations.
Income Tax (PAYE) Bands
| Band | Rate |
|---|---|
| First €42,000 | 20% |
| Balance over €42,000 | 40% |
| Tax Credits (Single) | €3,750 |
PRSI Rates
| Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Class A (Employees) | 4% |
| Applies to | All gross income |
Universal Social Charge (USC) Bands
USC is calculated in bands on gross income:
| Income Band | Rate |
|---|---|
| First €12,012 | 0.5% |
| €12,012 to €25,760 | 2% |
| €25,760 to €70,044 | 4% |
| Over €70,044 | 8% |
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common scenarios and answers for housing administrators.
How are joint applicant incomes calculated?
For joint applications, combine both incomes:
- Cost Rental: Calculate Irish tax for each individually, then sum the net incomes. Check combined net against regional limit.
- LAAPS: Combine gross incomes for the financial means test (Income x 4).
How is self-employed income assessed?
- 2 to 3 years of audited accounts required
- Income assessed on net profit before drawings
- May need Irish Revenue tax clearance certificate
- Irregular patterns may require averaging
What disqualifies an applicant?
- Property Ownership: Owning property in Ireland or abroad
- Income Too High: Exceeding regional limits
- Savings Too High: May indicate ability to purchase
- HAP/Social Housing: Currently receiving support
Can Help to Buy be combined with LAAPS?
Yes. The Irish Help to Buy can be combined:
- Maximum: €30,000 or 10% of price (whichever lower)
- Eligibility: First-time buyers of new builds
- Application: Via Revenue's myAccount portal
- HTB counts toward deposit
How does the equity buyout process work?
- Timing: Buyout at any time per LA policies
- Valuation: Based on current market value
- Partial Buyout: Some schemes allow tranches
- Funding: Remortgage or savings
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