On 31 January 2018, the Housing Agency (a government agency) issued a request for proposals under an "Enhanced Long Term Social Housing Leasing Scheme". The Government's stated commitment is to accelerate the delivery of social and affordable housing across Ireland and at the same time ensure off-balance sheet treatment.
The scheme will feature Local Authorities leasing properties on a long term basis to be sub-let to social & affordable housing tenants. Key features of the scheme are set out below with full details available here >
Key features of the leasing structure include:
- submissions to be submitted by 12 April 2018. Further calls for proposals will be issued periodically;
- prescribed form agreement of lease / 25-year lease with the relevant Local Authority:
- up to 95% open market rent (CPI indexed and subject to rent reviews at three year intervals);
- each Local Authority will retain differential rents, assume responsibility for rental voids and make agreed monthly rent payments; and
- the proposer / developer will retain responsibility for facilities management/maintenance.
The scheme will principally target property developers and investors with built or yet to be built (that are in or through the planning process) houses and apartments, who are in a position to deliver housing at a reasonable scale (minimum of 20 in any one Local Authority area).
The Housing Agency will apply prescribed selection criteria to submissions received.
DWF Dublin has an experienced and dedicated Social Housing and Property Finance team with specific proven expertise in these sectors.
