Limerick council launches 'rightsizing' apartment scheme for over 55s in bid to free up family homes

The apartment scheme at Woodlawn Park in Ballysimon is mix of one- and two-bed homes on both ground-floor and first-floor levels.

Limerick City and County Council is encouraging older people looking to downsize their home to apply for a new scheme offering a “lifetime tenancy”, while freeing up larger homes to return to the squeezed market.

A development of 15 apartments will be available from the end of September at Woodlawn Park in Ballysimon, with the council saying it is geared towards people aged 55 and over who own their own home, find their home too large for their needs, and are willing to sell on the private market.

Under the scheme, which is conducted in partnership with Focus Housing Association, the applicant must sell their home on the market and give the council 25% of the proceeds in return for a lifetime tenancy.

“Our joint ambition is to expand and improve housing options for people over the age of 55,” the council’s director of housing Brian Kennedy said.

Rightsizing developments are close to public transport, services and activities that are inclusive of age friendly communities.

“The council has an informal register of interest of approximately 250 private households enquiring about rightsizing options. We are confident that there is significant latent demand for rightsizing schemes.” 

The council stressed it was a completely voluntary scheme, which means people do not have to move unless they choose to do so.

It also said it would help people if their current home was too large or too difficult to maintain, as these new apartments were smaller, modern and “easier to manage”. 

Furthermore, they have been designed with older residents in mind, and will allow people to remain in Limerick, close to family, friends and familiar services, the council said.

The council said its aim, alongside helping those wanting to transfer to a smaller home, was to release properties that are in high demand for “families that need them most”.

The mix of one- and two-bed homes in Ballysimon are available on both ground-floor and first-floor levels. Pets are not allowed, but exceptions are made for service animals.

“Woodlawn Park is a well-established residential area and a well-connected part of Limerick’s east side, making it an ideal setting for rightsizing,” Cllr Catherine Slattery said.

These new homes will offer a great opportunity for individuals looking to move into accommodation that better suits their current needs. I would encourage anyone eligible, and looking to make a move, to consider the benefits this scheme can offer.

Applications for the Woodlawn Park scheme are open until Friday, August 22.

Similar “rightsizing” schemes are operated by other local authorities around the country. 

In Cork, several schemes are managed by Tuath Housing, including ones in Douglas, Blackrock, and Bishopstown.

Although the Government’s last Housing for All plan said a national policy on rightsizing would be developed, housing minister James Browne said the “advancement of a broader policy approach” was being considered alongside programme for government commitments to increase housing available to older people.