Local Authority Home Loan

The Local Authority Home Loan (LAHL) is available for people who are unable to obtain sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build.  

How to apply

Full details of the Local Authority Home Loan, including eligibility criteria, can be found at Local Authority Home Loan 

Applicants must complete a Local Authority Home Loan application form: 

Once completed return it to: 

Housing Section, Laois County Council,  Áras an Chontae,  James Fintan Lalor Avenue,  Portlaoise,  Co. Laois,  R32 EHP9 

Fresh Start principle

A ‘Fresh Start’ principle also applies to the Local Authority Home Loans scheme. This means that people who are divorced, legally separated/separated or the relationship has ended and have no financial interest in the family home are eligible to apply under this scheme. People who have undergone personal insolvency/bankruptcy proceedings will also be eligible to apply for the Local Authority Home Loans Scheme. 

How much can I borrow?

In line with Central Bank rules, a person or couple can borrow up to 90% of the market value of the property. 

What can it be used for?

The Local Authority Home Loan can be used for: 

  • Private purchase (including self-build) 
  • Local Authority Tenant Incremental Purchase 
  • Local Authority Affordable Purchase Schemes 

Main elements

  • provides up to 90% of the market value of a property 
  • the maximum loan term is 30 years 
  • house price limits (4 Bands) 
  • €360,000 – Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, South Dublin, Dublin City, Fingal, Wicklow, Kildare 
  • €330,000 – Galway City, Cork City, Louth, Meath, Galway County, Cork County 
  • €300,000 – Limerick, Waterford, Clare, Wexford, Westmeath, Kilkenny 
  • €275,000  – Kerry, Laois, Offaly, Carlow, Sligo, Tipperary, Monaghan, Cavan, Mayo, Donegal, Roscommon, Longford, Leitrim 
  • the loan is a normal capital and interest-bearing mortgage 
  • it is repaid on a monthly basis by direct debit 

How to qualify

To qualify for a Local Authority Home Loan, applicants must:

  • Be a first-time buyer, with the exception of applicants qualifying under the Fresh Start Principle. 
  • Be aged between 18 and 70 years. 
  • A single applicant must earn less than €70,000 annual gross income.
  • Joint applicants must earn less than €85,000 annual gross income combined. 
  • Provide proof of insufficient mortgage offer from two regulated financial providers.
  • Be in continuous employment for a minimum of two years as primary earner and a minimum of one year as secondary earner (if self-employed be able to submit two years certified accounts).
  • Intend to occupy the property as their normal place of residence. 
  • Currently have a legal right to reside and work in the State and be able demonstrate that they are habitually resident in Ireland. 

This is not an exhaustive list so please go to Local Authority Home Loan for additional information, assistance and the application form. 

Further information

For further information please e-mail housinghomeloan@laoiscoco.ie