Ground Rent Leasehold Purchase Scheme

Laois County Council can allow homeowners who bought their home from the local authority before May 1978 buy out the ground rent on the property.

Am I a leasehold owner or a freehold owner?

If you purchased your home from Laois County Council before May 1978, then your home is a leasehold property. This means that you do not own the ground on which your home stands. The time frame of a leasehold property can either be 99 years or 150 years.

In Ireland, there are two ways to own property: freehold and leasehold. 

  • Leasehold: You own the building but not the land. Your ownership lasts for a set number of years. 
  • Freehold: You own both the land and the building completely. 

How can I buy out my ground rent?

To buy either type, you need to:

  • pay a fee 
  • get a letter from your lawyer to begin the process

You can email housinglcc@laoiscoco.ie or send a letter to: 

The Housing Section, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co Laois, R32 EHP9.

Further information

For further information please email housinglcc@laoiscoco.ie