The discount is not free money outright: the council puts a charge on the house equal to the discount, which shrinks by 2% a year. If you sell before it runs out, you repay what is left.
Quick facts
- Years of support
- At least 10
- Minimum income
- €11,000 a year
- Income €20,000 or less
- 60% off
- €20,001 to €29,999
- 50% off
- €30,000 or more
- 40% off
Who can buy
"Been getting social housing support for at least 10 years. If you have a joint tenancy, only 1 tenant needs to meet this condition."
"Your annual income must be at least €11,000 to qualify for this scheme." It can mix wages and some social welfare payments.
What counts as income
Income from social welfare alone is not enough, unless it is one of these: State Pension (Contributory or Non-Contributory), Bereaved Partner's Pension, Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension or Disability Allowance.
Working Family Payment and the Rural Social Scheme count as secondary income alongside wages. "For example, Child Benefit cannot be included."
The discount
- Income of €20,000 or less: 60% off, with a 30-year charge
- €20,001 to €29,999: 50% off, with a 25-year charge
- €30,000 or more: 40% off, with a 20-year charge
"This charge will be reduced by 2% each year, until no charge remains after a specified number of years."
"If you sell the house within this specified period, you will have to pay the outstanding incremental charge on the house to the local authority."
Homes you can't buy
- Homes designed for older people
- Homes for someone with a disability moving from institutional care
- Homes designed for Traveller families
- Homes the council got from a developer under Part V
The council can also refuse for estate-management reasons. Council apartments are covered by a separate Tenant Purchase of Apartments Scheme with the same discounts.
How to apply
Contact the housing department of your local authority and ask for the Incremental Tenant Purchase Scheme application form.
Common questions
Can I buy my council house in Ireland?
Yes, under the Incremental Tenant Purchase Scheme, if you have had social housing support for at least 10 years and have an annual income of at least €11,000.
How much discount do I get on my council house?
60% if your income is €20,000 or less, 50% between €20,001 and €29,999, and 40% at €30,000 or more.
Can I buy my council house if I'm on social welfare?
Not on social welfare alone, unless your income is from a State Pension, Bereaved Partner's Pension, Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension or Disability Allowance.
What happens if I sell my council house after buying it?
If you sell within the charge period of 20, 25 or 30 years, you repay the outstanding incremental purchase charge to the council.
Can I buy my council apartment?
Only if your complex is designated under the Tenant Purchase of Apartments Scheme, which has the same 40% to 60% discounts.