Identifying need for new homes

We own around 15,000 social rented homes in rural areas. We also have a role in identifying where new social and affordable housing is needed. We can also provide advice and information for anyone wishing to privately rent or own a home in rural areas.  

We recognise that there are particular problems in rural areas. For example, we know that those interested in rural housing do not always register with us, as they may feel rural housing opportunities are limited. To help address this potential hidden need, or "latent demand", we carry out housing needs surveys in selected rural areas each year.

Current areas where there is felt to be a latent demand for rural housing are:

• Stranocum

• Lisnagunogue

• Lislea

• Loughgall

• Burnfoot

• Swatragh

• Dungiven

• Ballyeaston

• Knockloughrim

• Gulladuff

• Tobermore

If you need a home:

If the area you wish to live in is not in the planned programme of Housing Needs Surveys, you can still register for social housing in a rural area. We can also provide advice and information for anyone wishing to rent or own a home.

Further information is available as follows:

• Apply for a House

• Private Rented Sector

• Buying a Home

If you belong to a rural community where you think there is a need for new homes:

We are happy to visit and talk to local community groups in rural areas where there are concerns about a lack of social or affordable housing.

In selected areas each year, we carry out local housing need surveys to investigate and demonstrate the extent of housing needs in rural communities. We can then examine what might be done to tackle any identified need. If your community group wishes to discuss housing issues, please contact our Rural Housing Unit.