More than half of Ireland’s 31 local authorities have suspended or are about to halt the Tenant in Situ scheme, leaving over 300 households facing eviction in uncertainty as funding disputes escalate between councils and the Department of Housing.
The scheme allows tenants to remain in their homes when landlords decide to sell, with councils or the Housing Agency purchasing the property directly. Since April 2023, it has prevented homelessness for more than 2,500 households, but recent funding constraints have forced widespread suspensions.
Major urban councils including Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, Cork City Council, and Limerick City and County Council have all paused new applications. Dublin City Council received 126 enquiries since January but cannot proceed with any acquisitions, while Fingal’s €20 million allocation was exhausted after preventing homelessness for 121 households last year.
The crisis has worsened dramatically, with new figures showing a 60% drop in property acquisitions. Only 292 homes were purchased in the first half of 2025, compared to 741 in the same period last year.
The Department of Housing defends its management, claiming councils have drawn down only 36% of allocated funding. However, councils dispute this, stating they’ve exhausted budgets or committed funds to prevent street homelessness.
Housing Minister James Browne recently secured an additional €265 million, bringing 2025’s budget to €325 million, but many councils report receiving significantly less funding than previous years while facing stricter eligibility requirements.