Ireland has faced a serious mortgage payment crisis since the collapse of the housing market in the early 2010s. This resulted in many rural homeowners at risk of losing their homes, especially in West Cork where mortgage-to-rent schemes were scarce. Families, including those with low incomes or dependent on welfare, found themselves on the brink of homelessness due to unmanageable mortgage payments.

At the peak of the crisis in 2016, over 83 000 residential mortgages in Ireland were in debt for more than three months, with 30 000 homes at imminent risk of repossession. In Cork County, nearly 5 000 families were affected, with approximately half residing in rural areas. Faced with the threat of eviction, families struggled to maintain their homes and connections to their local communities.

CHA’s ‘Mortgage Rescue’ programme was set up to address this crisis by purchasing homes and maintaining families as tenants, thus preventing homelessness and securing long-term housing stability.

The Carbery Housing Association (CHA) drives the ‘Mortgage Rescue’ programme, a community-led housing initiative aimed at securing long-term, affordable homes for families at risk of eviction. The association works in partnership with local authorities, including Cork County and City Councils, and secures funding through local authority loans, commercial mortgages, and EU grants.

The project begins with a joint identification of distressed properties in rural areas of Cork and City, primarily those where residents face eviction due to mortgage debts. The CHA conducts surveys and assessments to evaluate the financial viability of purchasing each property, followed by negotiations with lenders to acquire the houses.

Once acquired, the homes undergo essential repairs and retrofitting to improve energy efficiency. Typical upgrades include insulation, heating system improvements, and renewable energy installations such as solar panels. Repairs and renovations are conducted by local contractors, creating economic opportunities within the community.

Following purchase, tenants sign means-tested rental agreements to ensure affordability. The rental income contributes to ongoing maintenance and loan repayments. To further reduce energy poverty, CHA has implemented AI-controlled solar power systems as part of the RED WoLF Interreg NWE project, enabling efficient energy management.

CHA also carries out training and capacity building for tenants and community members, promoting energy awareness and practical skills.

The project is supported by a volunteer board of members and a small professional team, while technical works are carried out by local contractors. Collaboration with local authorities and community organisations ensures a comprehensive approach to social housing and community development.