Housing
Safe Home Ireland facilitates a limited, Irish Government supported scheme that allows qualifying older Irish born emigrants seeking to return home to apply for social housing in their native areas
Although there is no similar scheme in place for younger people or families, we can provide relevant housing information and guidance to anyone seeking support, regardless of age or circumstances
Safe Home Ireland Housing Assistance
Safe Home Ireland does not build or manage housing directly. However, we coordinate a limited scheme that allows qualifying Irish-born emigrants to explore and secure social housing options back in their native areas.
In order for this scheme to operate successfully, we rely on the help and support from Local Authorities (Councils) and Voluntary Housing Associations (VHAs) across the Republic of Ireland.
Being approved on the relevant Local Authority /Council housing list is key to our clients qualifying for any form of social housing support in Ireland in the future
To get an overview of the type of information required by Local Authorities/Councils for their application process, please see HERE
For information on allowable income limits for social housing applicants, onan area by area basis, please see
HERE

What we do
Safe Home Ireland assists qualifying Irish-born emigrants to help them to explore secure housing options and to give them the best chance of being allocated housing in the future.
The housing provided through this scheme is normally Housing Association tenancies that are managed by Voluntary Housing bodies. . The tenancies offered are long-term and secure, with rents set an affordable level depending on each individual's income
In order to be considered for vacancies in these schemes, qualifying applicants abroad must initially apply via Safe Home Ireland. We will then work with them to get registered and approved on the relevant Local Authority/Council housing waiting list.
Applicants should be aware that this is not a fast-track process. Processing of applications can take time and due to the housing crisis countrywide in Ireland at present, waiting times to be offered a secure housing tenancy can be very long.
Who qualifies for Housing Support?
To apply for housing via Safe Home Ireland, applicants must be:
- Irish-born and currently living abroad
- Aged 57 or over
- Capable of independent living
- Living in rented accommodation abroad
- Unable to provide housing for themselves from their own means
If you meet the criteria, please CONTACT US for further information and Housing Application form.
Apply for Housing
If you meet the criteria and would like to apply,
please contact us or download the form below
Housing via Safe Home Ireland Frequently Asked Questions
We work in conjunction with Local Authorities and Housing Associations who provide housing for our qualifying applicants throughout Ireland.
It is necessary for our clients to be registered on the relevant Council housing waiting list as it is generally the Council that nominate prospective tenants for vacancies. Safe Home Ireland has no direct role when it comes to the allocation of properties.
We appreciate that returning to Ireland is not an easy decision to make and that there are a lot of questions and issues to take into consideration.
For detailed information on the housing assistance provided by Safe Home Ireland, please click the links below for answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Housing in Ireland Frequently Asked Questions
For detailed information on housing in Ireland, please see our
Housing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section for answers to the most common queries.

Support on Return
Our Outreach Team can provide support to people who have returned to Ireland, whether independently or through Safe Home Ireland.
We can guide you through applying for relevant entitlements and connect you with other agencies and services that may be able to help.
Our aim is to make your return as smooth as possible by offering clear information, practical assistance, and links to local supports so you can settle back into your new community and life in Ireland.
If you would like to arrange a one-to-one appointment with our Outreach Team, please
contact us HERE
