Huge demand expected for affordable homes in Midleton as applications open

The houses, which have A-rated energy efficiency, are available in two and three-beds with applications closing for them at noon on September 23.

Huge interest is expected from first-time buyers in the biggest town in East Cork for a range of affordable homes which have come up for grabs.

Cork County Council has just started taking applications for the occupancy of 13 homes it has built in Midleton under the affordable housing scheme.

The scheme is designed for the growing number of people who earn too much to qualify for social housing but too little to get a mortgage from a financial institution.

The homes at Tir Cluain are within easy walking distance of the town’s main street and its railway station which also makes them very attractive. Increased frequency of trains between Cork and Midleton will also make them ideal for commuting to the city.

The houses, which have A-rated energy efficiency, are available in two and three-beds with applications closing for them at noon on September 23. They are discounted below the average market price in the area.

Constructed by O’Mahony Developments on behalf of the local authority, the houses will generally be available for first-time buyers who do not own a home (although a small number of exceptions apply) and Fresh Start Applicants.

Through the affordable housing scheme, purchasers will enter a purchase arrangement with Cork County Council.

Under such an arrangement, the county council will retain a percentage equity share in the dwelling, equal to the difference between the market value of the dwelling and the price paid by the purchaser, expressed as a percentage of the market value of the dwelling, set at a minimum of 5%.

Cork County Council has just started taking applications for the occupancy of 13 homes it has built in Midleton under the affordable housing scheme.

Cork County Council chief executive Moira Murrell said: “The launch of these 13 houses, provided by the council under the Affordable Scheme will provide a further supply of high-quality homes for eligible applicants.” 

Mayor of County Cork Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Carroll said the local authority is delighted to announce the scheme in Midleton.

“The development at Tir Cluain is superbly situated in this popular residential area just a short walk from Midleton’s town centre and all its amenities. This new scheme demonstrates the work that Cork County Council is achieving the (housing) targets set by the government,” Mr Carroll said.

Applications can be made online at the application portal on Cork County Council’s website, corkcoco.ie. 

For more on this scheme and other schemes around the county, including the Scheme of Priority, and a guide to making an application and documentation required, go to the same website.