Hazel Mews: A Smarter Way to Own a Home Is Coming to Limerick
If you’re a renter, you probably know the feeling – paying way more in rent than you would on a mortgage, watching prices rise, and wondering how you’ll ever save enough for a deposit. You’re not alone. In fact, 68% of people aged 25 to 29 in Ireland still live at home.
At Homely, we think that needs to change. And while there’s certainly no quick fix for the housing crisis, we believe one part of the answer is rethinking how people access homeownership, especially those who are nearly ready but just need a smarter path to get there.
That’s why I’m proud to share that we’ve just submitted a planning application for Hazel Mews, a new nine home development in Castletroy, Limerick. It’s Ireland’s first ever Build to Rent to Own scheme, designed from the ground up to help renters become owners on a clear, supported timeline.
Hazel Mews is Ireland’s first ever Build to Rent to Own scheme
So, what makes Hazel Mews different?
Rather than simply renting, Homely customers at Hazel Mews will join our rent to own programme. Here’s how it works:
You move into your home and rent it from us, with the legal right to buy after a few years.
Every month, up to 20% of your payments go toward your future purchase.
If the home increases in value while you’re living there, you also share in the upside. Up to 20% of the value growth is credited to you at purchase.
When the time comes, that credit acts like a deposit toward your mortgage and we’ll help you get mortgage ready along the way.
In short, instead of watching the market move further out of reach while you try to save, you’re already in your future home, building value as you live.
Who is this for?
It’s for people who can afford their rent, could likely qualify for a mortgage soon, but just haven’t been able to get the deposit together. That includes the self employed, people with non traditional income, or those who simply need a bit more time to get mortgage-ready.
We’re especially proud to serve the squeezed middle, those who earn too much for affordable housing but are still locked out of buying on the open market.
What’s the cost?
With average rents in Limerick now surpassing €2,000, prices at Hazel Mews will range from €2,700 to €3,600 per month, depending on the unit and level of internal design customisation you choose. It will also depend on what programme term you select – usually ranging between 3- and 5-years. It’s not cheap, but it’s in line with what many families or couples already pay in rent and save monthly, with the major difference being that this builds toward ownership, and you can do that from a brand-new, quality home for you and your loved ones.
And for those wondering if it’s just another developer play, this isn’t subsidised, and it isn’t speculative. It’s backed by private capital and a real desire to deliver solutions that actually work in today’s market.
Why Limerick? Why now?
Limerick is one of Ireland’s fastest growing cities, with a vibrant university, strong job market, and a real need for housing that meets people where they are today. Hazel Mews is close to major employers, schools, and amenities. We’re delivering it in partnership with Hapi Homes, using modern construction methods to reduce build time, improve quality, and offer customisation.
This is the first project of its kind in Ireland but it won’t be the last. We’re already in active talks to bring Homely homes to Cork, Galway, Dublin, and beyond.
Limerick is one of Ireland’s fastest growing cities, with a vibrant university, strong job market, and a real need for housing that meets people where they are today.
A final word
Hazel Mews isn’t just a development. It’s a sign of what’s possible when we stop waiting for the system to fix itself. It’s about giving people real, practical ways to move from renting to owning without needing all the answers or all the money on day one.
We know this path won’t be for everyone, but for those it suits, it’s a game changer.
To learn more, register your interest, or explore how Homely might work for you, visit www.ownhomely.com.
Let’s build a new way forward, one home at a time.
– Andrew
Stay tuned for more updates and initiatives as we continue to expand our reach and services, all with the goal of helping more people across the country achieve their dreams of owning their own homes.
