Social Democrats launch affordable housing plan

Affordable housing in Dublin will be available for €300,000 per unit and €260,000 outside the capital, under a new affordable housing plan published by the Social Democrats.

The plan would see homeowners owning 100% of their home and free to sell it on in the future, but restricted to an affordable price.

Social Democrats Spokesperson on Housing, Cian O'Callaghan, outlined their proposal which they would deliver if they get into government after the election.

"What we're proposing under it is to build 50,000 affordable purchase homes over the next five years, in addition to 25,000 affordable rental homes," he said.

"So for people who, at the moment are still living in their childhood bedrooms, can't afford somewhere to rent, can't afford somewhere to buy, and don't qualify for social housing, this is to give them something that they can aspire to," he added.

According to the party, the cost of homes would remain affordable for future purchasers as the homes would be built on land zoned for affordable housing only - which will see house values increase gradually "but not by astronomical amounts".

The affordable housing will be in addition to private sector delivery of homes and a ramping up of construction of social housing.

The party also claimed it will provide cost rental housing below €1,200 a month in Dublin and €1,000 per month in the rest of the country.