The expansion was announced today by Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien. The prices of homes eligible for a Local Authority Home Loan and income limits of those eligible to apply for a loan are being increased.

Launched in January 2022, the Local Authority Home Loan supports creditworthy borrowers who are unable to get finance from commercial banks to buy a home. It can be used for new, second-hand, or self-build homes.

Below are some of the changes which will come into effect under the new expansion:


House price limits

· - Increase from €320,000 to €360,000 – Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, South Dublin, Dublin City, Fingal, Wicklow, Kildare

· - Increase from €320,000 to €330,000 – Galway City, Cork City, Louth, Meath, Galway County, Cork County

· - Increase from €250,000 to €300,000 – Limerick, Waterford, Clare, Wexford, Westmeath, Kilkenny

· - Increase from €250,000 to €275,000 – Offaly, Laois, Monaghan, Cavan, Donegal, Tipperary, Kerry, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim, Longford, Carlow


Income limits

· - Increase from €50,000 and €65,000 to €70,000 for all single applicants nationwide

· - Increase from €75,000 to €85,000 for all joint applicants nationwide


Speaking after the announcement, Minister O’Brien said: “I am delighted to announce these improvements to the Local Authority Home Loan which will take effect from 1 March. Supporting home ownership is a key objective for this government and the increase in eligible house prices coupled with the increase in income limits will mean more people can access the loan.

"Importantly, building on changes made this time last year we are again increasing the income limit for single applicants so that those earning up to €70,000 who wish to purchase a home can avail of the State-backed loan. The ‘Fresh Start Principle’ also applies whereby people who are divorced or separated and have no interest in the family home, or who have undergone insolvency proceedings, can also avail of the loan.

"The changes reflect the reality of today’s housing market and we will continue to keep the Local Authority Home Loan under review to ensure it remains a genuine and relevant support for people who want to own their own home.”