The Housing Executive

Headline figures from the 2011 House Condition Survey were available in March 2012 and for the first time indicated a worsening of the overall condition of the housing stock in Northern Ireland, reflecting primarily the more difficult economic environment, which in turn has been reflected in falling household incomes. The headline rate of unfitness increased from 2.4% in 2009 to 4.6% in 2011. The growth in unfitness was in the private sector, and particularly in vacant properties. The survey also confirms the continued importance of the private rented sector in Northern Ireland where almost one in five dwellings is now available to rent privately.  Social housing stock remains in very good condition with less than 1% failing the Fitness Standard. Nevertheless there is a significant amount of improvement and replacement work to be carried out, with 15% of Housing Executive homes failing the Decent Homes Standard.