They’re significantly cheaper than average.

Cork County Council has launched its first Cost Rental scheme, which aims to provide affordable rented accommodation to people on middle incomes for up to 25 per cent lower than the current rent average, with prices starting at €935 for a new two-bedroom mid-terrace house in Bantry.

Applications for the two, three and four-bed houses at An Cnocan, Milleencoola, Bantry will open at noon on Monday,  October 14th, 2024. Situated close to Bantry town, An Cnocan will feature large green areas and a playground, making it ideal for families.

The scheme is aimed at people who do not own a home and are above the threshold for social housing but have difficulty affording private rented accommodation.

Here’s the rent you’ll be paying if you nab one: 

• 2-bedroom mid-terrace house: €935 per month
• 2-bed end of terrace house: €970 per month
• 3-bedroom house – €1,080 per month
• 4-bedroom house – €1,260 per month

Houses will be allocated on a lottery basis to applicants who have submitted all the required documents and who are deemed eligible for the scheme. Renters will enter a tenancy arrangement with Cork County Council.

“Cost Rental homes offer the security of tenure and are a long-term, affordable rental option,” said Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell.

“Bantry is the first scheme in County Cork and further Cost Rental schemes will open in Midleton and Bandon in the next number of months, followed by schemes in other towns in 2025 and beyond. These houses will provide a further supply of high-quality homes for eligible applicants in County Cork and assist in meeting our housing targets.”

Applications for the scheme will be accepted between 12 noon on October 14th, 2024 and 12 noon on October 28th, 2024 via the online application portal on Cork County Council’s website corkcoco.ie.