The Land Development Agency and Fingal County Council invite bids for seventy-three affordable starter houses in Balbriggan. Prices start at three hundred thirty thousand euros with government support available.
Applications Open for First Homes at Hampton Demesne, Balbriggan
A pivotal moment for housing in Co Dublin has arrived as the Land Development Agency (LDA) and Fingal County Council have launched applications for the inaugural phase of Hampton Demesne. Located in Balbriggan, this development marks a significant step forward in delivering affordable accommodation to the region.
The initial sales phase offers seventy-three high-quality starter homes, constructed by Ballymore with A-rated energy efficiency ratings. These properties feature private rear gardens and include six four-bedroom houses, fifty-four three-bedroom houses, and thirteen two-bedroom units. The first batch is currently under construction, with the full Phase 1 comprising two hundred fifty-nine starter and social homes expected by 2028.
Investment and Infrastructure
The viability of this project relies heavily on funding from the Government's Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF). These funds have been instrumental in unlocking the Castlelands site for residential use. The investment supports critical infrastructure, including the Castlelands Link Road, a rail overbridge for the Dublin-Belfast line, and realignments of the R127 road.
Future residents will benefit from extensive amenities, such as a new crèche, a park with recreational facilities for all ages, and a local neighbourhood retail centre. The development is also designed with robust cycle and car parking facilities to serve the growing community.
The Starter Home Purchase Scheme
To assist eligible buyers, the homes are available through the Starter Home Purchase Scheme, managed jointly by Fingal County Council and the LDA. This scheme utilizes a shared equity arrangement, bridging the gap between the property price and the buyer's personal funds or mortgage capacity. Consequently, this lowers the upfront cost for purchasers while allowing the council to hold an equity interest until repayment or sale.
The starting prices are as follows:
- Two-bedroom houses: €330,000
- Three-bedroom houses: €370,000
- Four-bedroom houses: From €430,000
Applications will be accepted via an online portal launching on Wednesday, 19 August at 12:00 midday. The window for submissions remains open until Wednesday, 9 September at 5:00 pm.
Community Leadership and Vision
Cllr Tony Murphy, Mayor of Fingal, hailed the announcement as a significant milestone for Balbriggan, stating that these homes will help families put down roots while supporting the town's continued growth. He emphasised that the accompanying parks and transport infrastructure will benefit both new and existing residents for years to come.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, described the opening of applications as a critical step in increasing housing supply. He highlighted the success of collaboration between the Government, the LDA, local authorities, and delivery partners like Ballymore. Minister Browne noted that beyond housing, the project delivers essential infrastructure to create a sustainable new neighbourhood.
John Coleman, Chief Executive of the LDA, remarked on the rapid progress of the site, noting that less than a year after breaking ground, the first residents are being welcomed. He expressed gratitude to Fingal County Council and Ballymore for their partnership in bringing the vision to life.
AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, welcomed the news for prospective buyers in Balbriggan. She stressed that delivering homes alongside amenities will make a lasting contribution to the local community.
Patrick Phelan, Managing Director of Ballymore Ireland, celebrated the achievement as a reflection of strong collaboration. He reiterated the shared ambition to deliver a high-quality neighbourhood that provides much-needed homes while creating a vibrant and sustainable community for future generations.
About the Partners
The Land Development Agency (LDA) serves as the State's affordable housing delivery body. Its primary role involves acquiring and developing land to address the country's housing need. The LDA currently has a delivery pipeline exceeding 25,000 homes and is responsible for master-planning strategic areas such as Limerick Colbert Quarter and the Digital Hub in Dublin.
Ballymore, founded in 1982 by Sean Mulryan and Bernardine Mulryan, is a leading property developer known for design-led neighbourhoods. The company has built over 15,000 homes in Ireland and continues to expand its pipeline across Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow, and Westmeath. Recent accolades include Developer of the Year at the Business Post Awards.
For further details on the homes and application process, please visit www.fingal.ie/starterhomes.
