Ava Housing are delighted to announce a call for expressions of interest for the over 60’s to take part in an extended pilot scheme in 2022.
The exciting new housing scheme was founded by Michelle Moore, working with well-known architects Dermot Bannon and Ciarán Ferrie. Ava Housing helps homeowners who are over 60 and living alone, to upgrade their homes whilst also creating a rental unit upstairs in their house.
Having successfully completed two pilot homes, Ava Housing is about to carry out an expanded pilot of up to 10 houses in Beaumont and Artane and are looking for homeowners who would like to get involved.
The architect designed housing solution helps homeowners to reconfigure their family sized homes to create a bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor which will be suitable for their changing needs and incorporates energy upgrades, and the creation of a rental unit for one person upstairs.
The rentals are offered to essential workers employed in local hospitals, schools and other essential services. Ava Housing helps the homeowner to select a suitable renter and manages the rental on behalf of the homeowner. Homeowners qualify for Rent-a-Room tax relief, valued up to €14,000p.a. At all times the homeowner retains 100% ownership of their home and is in charge of who the rent to.
The award-winning design enables older people to stay in their own homes and communities and reduces potential isolation, whilst having the added benefit of providing a new income stream.
The pilot scheme arranges grants towards the costs of the home adaptation and energy upgrades. Ava Housing is a not-for- profit organisation and the pilot is being carried out with the funding and policy support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Having successfully completed two pilot homes in Beaumont and Clondalkin, Ava Housing is about to carry out an expanded pilot of up to 10 houses in Beaumont and Artane and are looking for homeowners who would like to get involved.
Architect Dermot Bannon said “This is a really well considered and exciting housing option for people as they age, it’s a great way of making your home work for you, revitalising your house for your changing needs and making it more energy efficient for the future.
The house type around Beaumont and Artane is a perfect fit for this scheme and with the Ava Housing design you can stay in the comfort of your own home but simultaneously be in an almost new house, one that fits your needs. I’d urge anyone who’s curious to get in touch.
Founder Michelle Moore is excited about the prospect of expanding the scheme in 2022.
“The scheme and design are very much suited for the house types you might see around Beaumont, Artane and further afield. We would like to talk to homeowners who might be interested in taking part in the scheme.
It’s a brilliant opportunity for anyone who wants to stay in their own home but may feel the house is a bit much for them to manage on their own or is starting to feel a bit run down. We think it could really suit people who are planning ahead for their retirement, who don’t want to move out of their house or neighbourhood. It also gives a level of independence as the house can be adapted to changing needs over time.”
Ava Housing would like interested homeowners in Beaumont/Artane to contact them to hear more about the new scheme. They would also like to hear from resident or community groups in other areas who would like to work with them in the future.
To learn more call Ava Housing on 01 485 1880, or express you interest at https://www.avahousing.ie/pilot/.
