Repair and Leasing: the council fixes it, you lease it back

Under a pilot, vacant commercial units, flats over shops and unfinished developments qualify even if the owner could afford the work.

How it works

"The purpose of the Repair and Leasing Scheme is to bring vacant properties in need of repair, back into use for social housing. The scheme is aimed at owners of vacant properties who cannot afford the repairs needed to bring their property up to the standard required to rent it out."

"The maximum repair cost under the scheme is €80,000 per house or apartment including VAT." "The cost of the repairs will be offset against the agreed rental payment until the value of the works is repaid."

The lease and the rent

There are two options, with terms of "Term 5 - 25 years 5 - 10 years": a direct lease (the council is the landlord) or a rental availability agreement (you stay the landlord).

"For most direct leases this is 80% of the current market rent. However, it is 85% for apartments with a significant service charge and 70% for properties under the pilot scheme. For RAA's it is 92% of the current market rent or 95% for apartments with a significant service charge."

Which properties qualify

"The property must have been vacant for at least 12 months before you apply to the Repair and Leasing Scheme." There must be social housing demand in the area.

The pilot also takes "Vacant commercial units Vacant units associated with a commercial unit, for example, a flat over a shop Vacant institutional buildings Unfinished developments, which have been vacant for a significant amount of time". "If you are interested in the Repair and Leasing Scheme, you should contact your local authority for more information."

Common questions

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