Councils buy fewer than 370 properties for tenants at risk of homelessness

The County and City Management Association will say that some challenges exist with the scheme, such as local authorities competing with first-time buyers “among others” when a landlord is selling a property. File picture: Colin Keegan, Collins

Local authorities have bought — or have become sale agreed for — just under 370 properties for “tenant in-situ" arrangements in the last year, with another 634 in the pipeline, an Oireachtas committee will hear on Tuesday.

Under the tenant in-situ scheme, councils are encouraged to buy homes where the landlord is selling up and the tenant is receiving State housing supports such as the Housing Assistance Payment (Hap).