Frequently Asked Questions

1.1. What is the Homes-2-Buy Deposit Scheme?

The Homes-2-Buy scheme enables you to purchase your apartment without access to a bank loan. Instead of paying rent, you can pay a €5,000 deposit plus €700* per month for two years.This will enable you to obtain a loan of approx 90% fron one of the banks. if the banks are not lending, we will offer an extention for an additional five years, and we charge the same fee as the average interest charged by the two main banks. This is better than renting and the without any of the formfilling associated with bank loans.
 

 1.2. How do I qualify for this scheme?

You need to supply the following information to ONS to enable us to make a decision:

• ICB – Independent Credit Bureau report (you can fill this in by logging onto www.icb.ie).
• Payslips for three months.
• Bank statement(s) for three months.
• Proof of permanent employment.
• Reference from previous Landlord.

1.3. How quickly is the decision made?

A decision will be made within 48 hours of receipt of the above information.
 

 1.4. What are the risks for the purchaser?

The initial deposit of €5,000 is non-refundable and the monthly instalments of €700* are also non-refundable.

If you miss a repayment, then  you risk losing your €5,000, as well as your €700* monthly instalments.
(note: * the monthly payment and deposit varies depending on house type.)
 

1.5. Is there a difference between a Rent-2-Buy and House-2-Buy scheme?

The House to-2-Buy is for people who wish to own their own home; it is not for renters. The house comes fully tiled, complete with floor covering, and is unfurnished.

Typically, Rent-2-Buy schemes involve renters. The houses are furnished, while occupants have tenancy rights and get rent allowance from the state. A development based on a Rent-2-Buy scheme often leads to social issues that arise from rental properties.
 

1.6. Do I get rent allowance?

No. This is not a Rent-2-Buy scheme. You are not renting. You are purchasing your new home and are paying a deposit by instalments.
 

1.7. Will I get mortgage interest relief?

You may get some interest  relief, but you must confirm this with the Revenue. A Certificate of interest paid will be issued anually on request.
 

1.8. Why a Homes-2-Buy Scheme?

As developers, we have houses which we fully complete. Many customers have told us that they have good jobs but are unable to pay rent and save a deposit at the same time. This scheme enables them to do so.
 

1.9. In two years, what percentage of the deposit will I have?

It depends on the purchase price of the house. For an house costing say  €,170,000, the percentage is 9.88% (€5,000 + €700 per month x 12 months x 2 years). If you wish to increase the monthly instalments, we can facilitate this.
 

1.10. Is the price of the house fixed ?

Yes. The price of your home is fixed at the agreed price.
 

1.11. What happens if house prices drop?

If you are currently in rented accommodation, the rent will go to the property owner, so this money is lost anyway. House prices in Bellingham are unlikely to fall by more than €700 per month, even in a worst-case scenario (i.e. the amount of rent for a three-bed house in Portlaoise at this time).
 

1.12.What happens if house prices rise?

The agreed price does not change so you benefit by saving rent and interest. We guarantee not to raise apartment prices, after we sign contracts.
 

1.13. What happens if the builder goes bust?

The company is family owned and based locally, and a banker’s reference is available to your solicitor on request for the company and for the directors.

The scheme is built to the very highest standards and the roads and services are bonded with Allianz, a major insurance bonding company. The quality of the bond has been independently inspected and approved by Laois County Council.
 

1.14.Will units be released for social houses under this scheme?

The scheme is available only for purchasers and not available for social houses.
 

1.15. How many houses are available?

Only some houses  are available, We are selling houses below the normal cost to build due to the credit scarcity.
 

1.16. Can I opt to change to a mainstream bank in the future?

Yes you can opt to take out a mortgage at any time with no hidden penalties or exit clauses.

2. ABOUT PORTLAOISE TOWN

2.1. How far is it from Dublin?

Portlaoise is located approximately 45 minutes from Citywest. Bellingham is located on the Dublin Road with immediate access to the motorway. There are no traffic lights until Newland’s Cross.
 

2.2. What transport links are available in Portlaoise?

1. Motorway
   Portlaoise is located at the centre of the motorway network. The Dublin-Cork and the Dublin-Limerick motorways intersect in Portlaoise and, currently, you can travel from your new home onto the motorway and from there journey (by motorway) to Belfast, Cork, Limerick or Galway.
2. Trains
   Trains travel regularly to Dublin and Cork from Portlaoise; timetables are available on www.irishrail.ie. Bellingham is just a six-minute drive from the train station.
3. Buses
   Buses travel daily on hourly schedules from Portlaoise to Dublin. For timetables, visit:
   • www.buseireann.ie
   • www.jjkavanagh.ie
   • www.dublincoach.ie
   The main bus stop in Portlaoise is located in front of the library on James Fintan Lalor Avenue.
4. Luas
   The Red Cow ‘Park and Ride’ facility is only a 50-minute drive from Bellingham.

2.3. What facilities/amenities are located in Portlaoise town?

Portlaoise is the capital town of Laois and offers a host of facilities, services and amenities.

1. Leisure
   • Roll ‘n’ Bowl bowling alley and entertainment centre
   • Storm cinema
   • Numerous pubs and night clubs
   • Restaurants
   • Shops
   • Four-star Heritage Hotel
   • Town Parks, on the Timahoe Road and Ridge Road
   • Nearby the Grand Canal in the picturesque village of Vicarstown and the scenic beauty and walks of the fabulous Slieve Bloom mountains, also renowned for its traditional culture and story telling festivals.
    
2. Entertainment
   • Live concerts/events in Sky Venue
   • Dunamaise Theatre and Arts Centre
   • Internet cafés
   • For children and teenagers there are well established drama groups, youth clubs and a highly rated Laois School of Music
   • Of course Portlaoise is only 5 minutes away from the world renowned Electric Picnic festival in the nearby village of Stradbally
    
3. Sport
   • Portlaoise Leisure Centre
   • FAI Centre of Excellence for budding soccer stars
   • Portlaoise GAA – catering for football, hurling and camogie
   • Portlaoise Rugby Club
   • Portlaoise Soccer Club
   • Portlaoise also caters for a range of alternative and minority sports. It has a thriving Trinity Triathlon club, four indoor swimming pools, all-weather pitches, basketball and boxing clubs, a full range equestrian pursuits and even a surf club!!
   • The nearby Rivers Nore and Barrow as well as the Grand Canal are an angler’ paradise.
    

2.4. How many schools are in the area?

Bellingham is located close to the new Portlaoise College . Two new multi-million second level schools on a shared campus are fully complete. For a complete list, please ask our sales team.
 

3. ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT

3.1. What amenities exist nearby?

Bellingham is located adjacent to Portlaoise College and is within a minutes drive from the new Motorway. It has the advantage that it is easily accessible to both the town centre and also the Motorway.

3.2. Where are the crèches located?

A crèche exists within a few minutes walk.  For a complete list, please ask our sales team.
 

3.3. What are the maintenance and management fees?

A once off fee of €200 is charged at the time of purchase and this covers the maintenance of common areas, in addition to the  until it is taken over by Laois County Council.

 

3.4. Are there designated social houses on this site?

7.5% of the houses are designated for social use, which is significantly below the normal of 10-20 per cent.
 

3.5. What parking facilities are available?

A car park spaces is legally transferred to the apartment owner and the owner can prevent anybody else from parking on their car park space if they wish.In addition, visitor spaces are available for all to share.

The location of the space for your apartment can be seen on the site map and our sales team will be happy to clarify this for you if required.
 

 

3.7. Who maintains the green space?

The builder will maintain the open spaces until the development is taken in charge by the County Council.  

4. ABOUT THE HOUSE

4.1. What warranties exist for my new home?

The house structure is Certified by Homebond. The appliances and equipment are covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee (usually for one year).

In addition, ONS give a defects guarantee for six months to cover any fault that might arise in connection with your new home. Our dedicated customer care line is 05786 43567
 

4.2. Are homes block-built or timber-frame construction?

The houses are built using proven concrete block construction with dense insulation and achieve superb insulation values.
 

4.3. What BER rating does the house have?

All houses achieve a ‘B’ rating  in Bellingham.
 

4.4. Is the house well insulated?

All houses are certified to achieve a ‘B’ BER Rating. A BER certificate will be issued for your new home to confirm this. The houses are insulated using high density insulation and are very cost effective to run.
 

4.5. How much tiling is done in the bathroom?

Tiling in the bathroom and in the ensuite covers the floor and the walls from floor to ceiling and can be seen in the show apartment.
 

4.6. Is there a choice of tiles?

In some cases a choice of Kitchen is possible, depending on the stage of development. 
 

4.7. Will noise travel from one house to another?

Noise reduction measures have been taken to minimise noise transfer. Party walls have been plastered and insulation has been installed to minimise noise transfer. 225mm solid blocks have been built between houses  and our houses pass  noise test inspections, just ask anybody living there.           

4.8. How are houses heated?

Mains gas is supplied and fitted to an A-Rated modern modulating and condenser boiler to obtain 90.4% efficiency.
             

4.9. Can I control the heat in my house?

Yes.  Thermostats enable you to adjust the heat in. In addition, a master thermostat controls the maximum temperature of any one room.
 

4.10. Who maintains the front and back gardens?

The homeowner is responsible for the general maintenance and upkeep of their home, including front and back gardens. 

5. ABOUT THE DEVELOPERS

5.1. What previous schemes have the developers completed fully?

ONS are the biggest and best builder in Laois. To date, the company has completed Fairgreen Village, Portlaoise (500 houses), with a pub, crèche, shops, restaurants and offices, as well as the Esker Hills (500 houses) development.recently the Company has completed Phase 1 of Bellingham, on the Mountrath Road, Portlaoise.

The developments have been sold out and Laois County Council has taken both Fairgreen Village and Esker Hills, and Bellingham in charge.
 

6. USEFUL LINKS

LEISURE, ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS

Roll ‘n’ Bowl: http://www.bowlingireland.com/
Storm Cinemas: http://www.stormcinemas.ie/portlaoise/
Portlaoise info: http://www.discoverireland.com/us/ireland-places-to-go/placefinder/p/portlaoise-laois
More info: http://www.portlaoiseontheweb.com/
Pubs: http://www.goireland.com/laois/pubs-in-laois-county-page1.htm
Restaurants: http://www.findarestaurant.ie/Restaurants_In_Laois.htm
Portlaoise Heritage Hotel: http://www.theheritagehotel.com/
Sky Venue Portlaoise: http://www.skyvenue.ie
Dunamaise Theatre: http://www.dunamaise.ie/
Portlaoise Leisure Centre: http://portlaoiseleisurecentre.ie/
Portlaoise Sports Clubs: http://www.portlaoiseontheweb.com/sportsclubs.html

TRANSPORT

Irish Rail: www.irishrail.ie
Bus Eireann: http://www.buseireann.ie
JJ Kavanagh Coaches: www.jjkavanagh.ie
Dublin Coach: http://www.dublincoach.ie/
Luas: http://www.luas.ie/

OTHER

Laois County Council: www.laois.ie