Promoting affordable housing

Thedownturn in the housing market and increasing numbers of people in housing need have caused significant difficulties in housing in Northern Ireland.  We play a major role in ensuring a sufficient range of housing that offers diversity, affordability and accessibility with a balanced market.

In 2008-09 we invested £129 million to:

• Assess the need for new social housing;

• Manage the Social Housing Development programme;

• Promote private renting as a decent and affordable housing option;

• Promote affordable home ownership through the Housing Executive’s House Sales Scheme and land disposal activity.

In addition:

• This year we have continued to introduce the Empty Homes Strategy and Action Plan as agreed with the minister.

• Due to the changes in the Private rental sector a new strategy is being looked at, It is expected that a  consultatioin document will be produced later this year.

• The objectives contained in the joint Housing Executive/DSD Strategy "Renting Privately - A Strategic Framework” continued to be addressed with the development of best practice documentation to support the sector as an affordable housing option.