A housing scheme to support those priced out of private renting in Northern Ireland is planning to build 300 new homes next year. The Intermediate Rent scheme bridges the gap between private rent and social housing.
It provides a discount compared to private rent, with rents set at least 20% below market rent levels for the area, with more support and tenancies in blocks of up to five years, allowing people to put down roots in communities. The announcement comes as recent figures show 50,000 households in Northern Ireland spend around 25% of their income on housing, with the situation worsening.
The communities minister has announced he will provide funding to property development company Maple & May to deliver the 300 new homes at an affordable rent, with building expected to begin in early 2026, and properties available later in the year.
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Minister Lyons said: “As Minister for Housing, I am determined to increase the supply of good quality, affordable housing, and to expand the affordable housing options available to people and families. This commitment is outlined not only in the Housing Supply Strategy, but also in the Programme for Government.
“I am pleased to reach this significant milestone, partnering with Maple & May to deliver the first affordable rent homes here as Intermediate Rent Operator. These will be high quality new build houses, providing excellent homes.”
The properties will be delivered in areas of housing need, spread around eleven different sites in Northern Ireland including in Belfast, Derry, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, North Down, Newry, and Craigavon. It's understood the 300 houses are being used to test and tweak services before further funding and rollout.
The homes will be new-build properties in a high-quality turnkey finish. Applications will be income-based and unlike social housing, will not be based on a points system.
Eligibility to apply for a tenancy will be capped at an income of £30,000 net for single adult households, and £40,000 net for a two adult household income. Deposits for the properties will be equivalent to one month's rent however, tenants will be given six to twelve months to pay their deposit to lessen financial burden.
The properties will be delivered both within mixed tenure developments, alongside social and private homes, and as standalone Intermediate Rent sites.
Minister Lyons added: “Many hard working people and families are struggling to access a home suited to their needs, made worse by increasing rents and insecurity in the private rented sector, while demand continues to exceed supply for social homes. Providing affordable homes for rent is an important step in addressing that need.
“When I launched the Executive’s Housing Supply Strategy a few weeks ago, I said we had to be innovative and radical when it comes to tackling our housing issues. There is a collective effort across government, the housing sector and private sector to deal positively with the challenges we face.
“Intermediate Rent is a key strand of this. I am pleased to see it progressing and look forward to seeing this transformational scheme become reality."
Jon Anderson, development director at Maple & May, said: “We believe that people deserve great services and standards in homes and this is an exciting opportunity for Maple and May to deliver 300 new affordable homes across Northern Ireland.
“As the first Intermediate Rent Operator in Northern Ireland, we plan to address housing need by building intermediate homes for rent, both within mixed tenure developments, alongside social and private homes, and as standalone Intermediate Rent sites enabling further options for eligible lower income households to apply for a high quality and stable home at a more affordable rent.”
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