Services » Housing & Community

Downsizing Scheme

Downsizing Scheme for the Elderly

Under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1991 , and subsequently the Local Government Act 2001 , Local Authorities were given “general competence” which empowers all Local Authorities to “take such measures , engage in such activities or do such things as it considers necessary or desirable to promote the interests of the local community” .

To this end , Cork City Council is working in conjunction with Voluntary Bodies and Community Groups such as Respond! , Bishopstown Lions Club and Farranree Sheltered Housing Association to design , develop and maintain new functioning communities for elderly persons under the auspices of the “Downsizing Scheme for the Elderly”

Cork City Council has developed a policy where persons over the age of 60 who own their own home , and who find their dwellings too large for their needs , may request the Council to purchase their home in return for a life long tenancy in a senior citizen dwelling, on the condition that they make a financial contribution to the Council under the terms of the Financial Contribution Scheme .

Cork City Council also aims to actively promote downsizing of its own rented stock . If the tenant(s) are over 60 years of age , with no dependants living at home , and find that their house is too big for their needs , they may be eligible for the “Downsizing Scheme” , where Cork City Council will arrange to transfer them to a smaller , more suitable dwelling in the City .

Downsizing Scheme for the Elderly : City Council Tenants

Cork City Council has within its rented stock designated dwellings which are suitable for the needs of elderly persons. The City Council’s downsizing scheme allows persons aged 60 years or over who are existing Cork City Council tenants to apply to the City Council for a tenancy in a dwelling under the downsizing scheme.

Subject to the eligibility requirements being satisfied and subject to the City Council’s approval of the acquisition of the applicants existing dwelling. Cork City Council will consider applications for letting under the downsizing scheme in the following circumstances and in priority as follows:

• Persons are living in unfit accommodation.
• Where elderly persons wish to surrender their family type accommodation and move to smaller , more suitable accommodation .
• Persons are in need of housing on medical, compassionate or other similar grounds

Downsizing Scheme for the Elderly : Owner Occupiers

Cork City Council has within its rented stock designated dwellings which are suitable for the needs of elderly persons. The City Council’s downsizing scheme allows persons aged 60 years or over who own their private dwelling within the administrative area of Cork City, or are existing Cork City Council tenants to apply to the City Council for a tenancy in a dwelling under the downsizing scheme.

Subject to the eligibility requirements being satisfied and subject to the City Council’s approval of the acquisition of the applicants existing dwelling. Cork City Council will consider applications for letting under the downsizing scheme in the following circumstances and in priority as follows:

• Persons are living in unfit accommodation.
• Persons are in need of housing on medical, compassionate or other similar grounds.
• Persons are in the opinion of the City Council not able to financially meet the cost maintenance and upkeep of the accommodation they are occupying or are financially unable to obtain suitable alternative accommodation.
   

The decision to grant a tenancy of a dwelling under the downsizing scheme shall be subject to:

• The sale by the applicant of his existing dwelling to the City Council
• To the payment of a financial contribution to the City Council
• To the execution of a Tenancy Agreement.
• Payment of weekly rent set under the Differential Rent Scheme

• The applicant’s property will be valued at current market value.
• Net proceeds shall exclude
• The discharge of any mortgage or charge on the property
• legal fees incurred in relation to the sale of the existing dwelling to the City Council.

The Financial contribution will be calculated as Follows:

Age Financial Contribution

60 – 69years 1/3 of net proceeds of sale of dwelling

70 - 79years 1/4 of net proceeds of sale of dwelling

80 years + 1/5 of net proceeds of sale of dwelling

Example:

Upcoming Schemes : Voluntary Provision

Upcoming Schemes : Cork City Council Provision