Cork cost-rental applications open on 27 October, with rents from €1,395

People looking for a long-term rental home in Cork can prepare to apply for apartments at Horgan’s Quay next week. Registration opens at noon on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, and stays open for seven days.

The Land Development Agency’s first cost-rental release in Cork will include 192 homes. Of these, 70 will initially give priority to applicants who work within 5km of the development, according to the LDA’s announcement. The wider development will have 302 apartments.

What rent and income should applicants expect?

Monthly rents are €1,395 for a one-bedroom apartment, €1,520 for a two-bedroom apartment and €1,600 for a two-bedroom “plus” apartment. Limited parking costs extra.

The scheme’s eligibility page lists minimum annual net household incomes of €47,829, €52,114 and €54,857 respectively. Household income must be below €59,000. Rent must not exceed 35% of net household income, so being below the ceiling is not enough on its own.

Applicants must not own a home in Ireland or abroad or receive social housing support, including HAP or Rent Supplement. The LDA also requires permanent residence and tax domicile in Ireland. All household members must be living in Ireland when applying.

Check the household and lottery rules

One-bedroom homes suit a single person or a couple. Two-bedroom homes allow several household arrangements, including two adults and families with one or two children. Check the full occupancy rules before choosing a home type.

The local-employment lottery requires proof of a workplace within 5km. In a joint application, one applicant must meet that condition. People entering that category are automatically entered into the general lottery too.

Start with the LDA’s current schemes page, which lists both lottery routes. Selection is random, not a promise of a home. Applicants chosen to proceed must supply supporting documents within 72 hours, so it is worth preparing income and identity records before registration opens.

Horgan’s Quay is beside Kent station and the River Lee. These homes are being offered for rent, not purchase.

Kent station, Cork. Photo: Actualcreature, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped.