Just 24 Homes Available for Housing Assistance Nationwide

A recent report by the Simon Community reveals a stark reality for renters relying on the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) in Ireland. The study indicates that only **24 properties** across the entire country qualify for this vital support, marking a **25% decrease** since June. Alarmingly, **11 out of 16 surveyed areas** have no rental properties available within the HAP limits.

The findings, detailed in the Simon Communities of Ireland’s latest **Locked Out Of The Market** report for September, highlight a significant decline in available rental options. In total, only **883 properties** were up for rent in the surveyed regions, a **26% drop** from **1,119 properties** noted in the same period last year.

Executive Director **Ber Grogan** expressed grave concerns over the situation, stating, “With just 24 properties available under any HAP limits, the rental sector continues to fail those reliant on social housing supports in the private rental sector yet again.” Grogan emphasized that individuals on lower incomes are increasingly unable to access affordable housing.

The report also criticizes the lack of effective measures in the upcoming **Budget 2026**, which the Simon Community hopes will address homelessness in a meaningful way. Grogan added, “Unless developers and landlords are obligated to provide social and affordable homes, thousands will continue to experience the trauma of homelessness.”

Widespread Shortages in Key Areas

The report underscores the critical shortage of HAP-eligible homes, particularly in urban centres. Major areas such as **Athlone**, **Cork city**, **Galway**, **Limerick**, **Sligo**, and **Waterford** reported no HAP properties available for rent. In six of the 16 areas surveyed, the number of available HAP properties has decreased since the previous report in June.

The report reveals that the majority of available properties are concentrated in **Dublin**, where **21 out of 24 HAP properties** can be found. Outside of Dublin, only two properties were available within HAP limits: one in **Dundalk** and two in **Kildare**.

This situation is compounded by the varying limits set for HAP, which differ significantly based on location and family size. For instance, a household consisting of a couple or a single parent with three children living in Dublin faces a maximum monthly rent limit of **€1,300**.

Implications of the Current Housing Crisis

The findings paint a dire picture of the rental market, with **Sligo Town** and **Co. Leitrim** citing the lowest availability of properties, showing just three and four homes respectively. The challenges are amplified for families, with no properties accessible to couple or one-parent households with two children under standard HAP rates.

Despite an ongoing review of HAP, Grogan insists that without an immediate adjustment in line with current market rents, the private rental sector will continue to drive individuals and families into homelessness. “The lack of available properties under HAP limits is not just a statistic; it represents real families struggling to find a place to live,” he stated.

As the housing crisis deepens, the urgency for comprehensive and effective policy changes becomes increasingly clear. The Simon Community’s report serves as a critical reminder of the pressing need for action to ensure affordable housing is accessible to all.