Roscommon County Council is preparing to launch its Starter Home Purchase Scheme at Tarmon Manor in Castlerea, offering nine A-rated family homes to eligible buyers.
Online applications will open on 26 November 2026, according to the council’s promotional notice. The development includes a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses.
The scheme, formerly known as the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, is designed to help eligible households buy a home at a reduced price, with the council retaining an equity share in each property.
Homes available at Tarmon Manor
The nine properties will include the following bedroom types:
| Property type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Two-bedroom houses | Included |
| Three-bedroom houses | Included |
| Four-bedroom houses | Included |
| Total | 9 homes |
Roscommon County Council has not yet specified how many houses will be available in each bedroom category.
How the Starter Home Purchase Scheme works
Under the scheme, the council will take an equity share in each property. This represents the difference between the home’s market value and the price paid by the purchaser, expressed as a percentage of its market value.
The arrangement allows eligible buyers to purchase a home for less than its full market value, with the council retaining an ownership interest equivalent to the outstanding equity share.
Roscommon County Council has confirmed that it will not seek to realise its equity for a period of 40 years, except in the event of a breach of the purchase agreement.
Buyers can choose to redeem, or buy out, the council’s equity at any time. This can be done through a single payment or a series of payments.
Who can apply?
The homes will generally be available to first-time buyers who do not currently own a home. A limited number of exceptions may apply under national regulations, including provisions for applicants who qualify under the Fresh Start principle.
Applicants must satisfy the scheme’s eligibility requirements. These include financial assessment criteria, which are intended to establish whether a household can afford the purchase but needs assistance to meet the full market price.
Eligible applicants will be prioritised in accordance with Roscommon County Council’s Scheme of Priority. This will determine how the homes are allocated where there are more qualifying applicants than properties available.
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee an offer of a home. The council will assess applications and apply its priority rules when allocating the properties.
Applications open on 26 November
Online applications for the Tarmon Manor homes are scheduled to open on 26 November 2026.
The council is encouraging prospective applicants to join its mailing list to receive updates ahead of the launch. Further information, including eligibility requirements, the Scheme of Priority, application forms and the full list of supporting documents, will be available through Roscommon County Council’s website.
Applicants should review the requirements carefully and prepare the relevant documentation before submitting an application. They should also check the final property prices and financial conditions once the detailed information is released.
Prospective buyers can contact the council’s housing team by email at starterhomes@roscommoncoco.ie.
The nine homes offer an affordable purchase opportunity in Castlerea for households that meet the scheme’s conditions. With applications due to open on 26 November, the publication of the full prices and application requirements will be an important next step for buyers considering the development.
