Applications open for last house in first phase of Westmeath affordable housing scheme

Westmeath County Council is inviting applications for the last remaining house in the first phase of an affordable housing development in Kilbeggan.

Ten houses were originally opened for applications in May through the affordable purchase scheme at Coola Meadows, Kilbeggan.

One of those houses - a two-bedroom semi-detached unit - is still available and the council has reopened the application process for it here.

Under the affordable purchase scheme, homes are made available for purchase by first-time buyers and fresh start applicants at prices lower than the current market value.

In return, the council takes a percentage equity stake in the affordable home, equal to the discount of the purchase price from the full market value of the home.

At Coola Meadows in Kilbeggan the ten homes were offered at prices starting from €275,000 for the two-bed units, and from €315,000 for the three-bed houses.

The council said a second application phase, for the remaining six units in the development, will be launched in the coming weeks.