Written answer
Housing Schemes
Part V local authority homes remain excluded from tenant purchase schemes by law, with no transitional exceptions or planned legislative changes.
348. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he will review the exclusion of local authority tenants living in homes acquired under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2024 from the tenant purchase scheme, particularly where tenants were originally advised that they would have an opportunity to purchase their home and where the tenancy agreement makes no reference to the property being a part V dwelling; whether transitional or exceptional arrangements will be introduced for tenants affected by this exclusion; and the steps available to such tenants to appeal a refusal. [66477/26]
Comment on this
The Tenant Incremental Purchase Schemes (the Schemes) are open to eligible tenants of local authority homes that are available for sale under the particular scheme.
The Regulations underpinning the Schemes provide for a number of specified classes of houses to be excluded from sale, including those provided to local authorities under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000. Local authorities are not permitted to make exceptional arrangements for tenants who wish to purchase a Part V home, given that the exclusion is set out in legislation. The Part V provisions seek to promote social integration and secure mixed tenure, sustainable communities. Accordingly, Part V properties are excluded from the Schemes to ensure the original policy goals of the legislation are not eroded over time and the properties remain available for people in need of social housing support.
The Tenant Purchase of Apartments Scheme 2012, does not expressly exclude Part V properties, but the apartment complex must be owned by the local authority and must also be designated for sale under the scheme.
My Department monitors schemes such as this on an ongoing basis to ensure that they remain effective and sustainable, however, there are no plans to amend the exclusion of certain categories of property from these Schemes at this time.