A fresh housing opportunity has opened in South Dublin, with a new affordable apartment scheme set to give eligible buyers a more realistic route into homeownership. This latest update in Dublin news centres on St. Laurence’s Park in Stillorgan, where Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has announced 40 newly built one-bedroom apartments under its Affordable Purchase Scheme.
The homes are aimed at first-time buyers and Fresh Start applicants who may be priced out of the open market but still want to live in a well-connected suburban area. Prices are starting from €255,000, with the council providing equity support to reduce the amount buyers need to borrow.
Dublin news: what is happening at St. Laurence’s Park?
The St. Laurence’s Park development is located in the centre of Stillorgan, one of South Dublin’s most established residential areas. The affordable homes form part of a wider project that will deliver 88 homes in total, including 48 social homes and 40 affordable homes, along with a new Stillorgan Library expected later this autumn.
The one-bedroom apartments have been designed with modern living in mind, with a focus on:
- Sustainability and energy efficiency
- Accessibility for residents
- High-quality finishes
- Community integration in a central location
For buyers following Dublin business and housing trends, the scheme also reflects a wider effort to improve supply in high-demand parts of the capital.
Why Stillorgan is attracting interest
Stillorgan remains a strong choice for buyers who want urban convenience without being in the city centre. Residents will be within walking distance of shops, cafés and local services, while also benefiting from easy access to Dundrum, Blackrock and Dún Laoghaire.
Transport links are another major selling point. The area connects quickly to the N11 and M50, offers regular bus services, has Aircoach access to Dublin Airport, and supports cycling commuters.
Read more: Work in Ireland and housing updates | Study in Ireland opportunities and city living
How the affordable purchase model works
Under the scheme, eligible buyers can purchase a home below full market cost because the local authority contributes between 10% and 40% of the purchase price through an equity share. That lowers the mortgage burden at the time of purchase.
In return, the council keeps an equivalent stake in the property. Homeowners can redeem or buy back that share over time if they choose.
This type of support is increasingly relevant not just to local purchasers but also to people researching Ireland residency, long-term relocation and practical pathways to settle in the country. While the scheme is housing-focused, broader searches around Visa types Ireland and New visa rules Ireland often overlap with interest in where people can realistically live once they plan to Work in Ireland or Study in Ireland.
Application dates and information sessions
The online application portal is due to open on Wednesday, 12 August at 12pm. Before applications begin, DLR housing staff will hold two public drop-in information sessions where prospective applicants can ask questions and review eligibility details.
- 8 July, 4pm to 8pm, County Hall, Dún Laoghaire
- 15 July, 4pm to 8pm, Talbot Hotel Stillorgan
Explore more: Invest in Ireland local development stories | How to apply for PR for Ireland and relocation lifestyle guides
What this means for South Dublin buyers
This announcement adds meaningful momentum to the local housing pipeline and stands out in Dublin news because it targets a group often stuck between social housing thresholds and private market prices. With 40 apartments in a prime location, the scheme gives eligible applicants a practical opportunity to secure a modern home in Stillorgan.
For anyone tracking Dublin news, the key takeaway is clear: affordable homeownership options are still limited, but projects like St. Laurence’s Park show how local authority-led schemes can open the door for more buyers in well-served Dublin communities.
