The Cabinet will tomorrow sign off on plans to ensure that up to 50% of future housing estates be reserved for first-time buyers. Ministers will be told that the plan intends to tackle the controversial bulk sale of housing estates to investment trusts on what government sources describe as a density basis. Applies to future constructionWhile developments must provide for 10% social housing and a further 10% affordable housing at present, Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien will be proposing legislation that a further "between 30% to 50%” of future housing estates be available for first-time buyers only. As a result, the rule change will mean that between 60% and 80% of future developments would be reserved for social housing, affordable housing and first-time buyers. These proposed new conditions will be attached to planning permission for new housing estates and enforcement will be a matter for local authorities to resolve.

Source: Irish Examiner May 16, 2021 17:26 UTC