Minister Browne ends turnkey social housing acquisitions
Minister James Browne has declared the cessation of turnkey acquisitions for social housing, shifting focus towards local authority and approved housing body own-build projects. This policy will phase out turnkey funding applications by the end of 2027, reshaping Ireland's housing delivery landscape.
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The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, has announced a significant policy shift ending the practice of turnkey acquisitions for social housing. This change, set to take effect at the close of 2027, will see local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) place greater emphasis on directly building homes rather than purchasing newly built units with no prior input into their design or specifications.
Under the new approach, the submission of funding applications for turnkey acquisitions will cease after 31 December 2027, allowing a transition period for local authorities and AHBs to adjust their strategies. Projects approved before this deadline can continue to completion, with social housing delivery from the existing turnkey pipeline expected to extend into 2028 and 2029, but with diminishing numbers over time.
Minister Browne highlighted that this policy aligns with commitments in the Programme for Government and the Housing Action Plan 2025-2030. He emphasised that increasing direct involvement in housing development will ensure homes better meet identified social needs and provide a more sustainable, predictable supply of social housing. The Department will issue a Social Housing Circular detailing the revised policy and will continue supporting local authorities and AHBs in expanding own-build and partnership development models, including collaboration with the Land Development Agency (LDA).
Under the new approach, the submission of funding applications for turnkey acquisitions will cease after 31 December 2027, allowing a transition period for local authorities and AHBs to adjust their strategies. Projects approved before this deadline can continue to completion, with social housing delivery from the existing turnkey pipeline expected to extend into 2028 and 2029, but with diminishing numbers over time.
Minister Browne highlighted that this policy aligns with commitments in the Programme for Government and the Housing Action Plan 2025-2030. He emphasised that increasing direct involvement in housing development will ensure homes better meet identified social needs and provide a more sustainable, predictable supply of social housing. The Department will issue a Social Housing Circular detailing the revised policy and will continue supporting local authorities and AHBs in expanding own-build and partnership development models, including collaboration with the Land Development Agency (LDA).
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