Buy & Renew

This initiative, which complements the Repair & Leasing Scheme, is also designed to assist local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHB) to harness the accommodation potential that exists in certain vacant properties for social housing use. As with the Repair & Leasing Scheme, the use of the Buy & Renew Scheme is subject to the suitability of the property for social housing, the condition of the property and the cost of remediation.

There is real challenge in this work: renewing vacant and derelict premises can be difficult and costly.  As well as targeting areas of social housing need for this initiative, local authorities also work to sustain an appropriate ‘tenure mix’ within communities and will have regard to this when implementing the Buy & Renew Scheme. 

The Housing Directorate are working closely with the Municipal Districts to identify key strategic properties which may be suitable for acquisition under the Buy and Renew Scheme.  As of 16th of February 2018, a total of 203 properties have been logged on www.vacanthomes.ie with regards to Cork County Council, which are being followed up.