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New rural housing strategy launching in Northern Ireland as need rises but allocations fall
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) will launch a new rural housing strategy as data shows need for homes in these areas is on the rise while the number of allocations is falling.
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive will launch a new rural housing strategy as data shows need for homes in these areas is on the rise while the number of allocations is falling #UKhousingThe country’s largest public landlord has asked for views on the five-year blueprint, which will guide how it meets housing need in village and countryside areas.
In its draft plan, the NIHE admits that non-urban parts of the country face “distinct challenges” including hidden housing need, older homes and more exposure to fuel poverty and climate risk.
It especially highlighted the high levels of housing need, stating: “Rural applicants in housing stress have increased substantially in recent years, while allocations have not kept pace.
“This strategy responds with a place-based and outcomes-focused approach backed by robust governance, a practical action plan and measurable indicators.”
According to the report, in the last four years, the number of applicants for social housing in rural areas who were in housing stress rose by more than a quarter, reaching 5,211 in March 2025.
But allocations of NIHE rural homes have “not kept pace with this rising demand” and fell by nearly 30% over the same period, from 1,134 to 801.
The data shows that the current supply of new rural homes is falling short of need, and investment should be funnelled to the areas of highest demand, including Newry, Mourne and Down and Derry and Strabane.
To meet this need it will be “critical to enhance land availability, introduce greater planning flexibility and maintain a strong policy focus on rural housing”.
The NIHE owns 14,250 rural homes, representing around 17% of its 85,000-strong stock.
Its overall priorities in the draft rural plan include making sure the right homes are built in the right places, reducing housing-led health inequalities and regenerating communities.
The landlord will focus on these by rolling out more rural housing needs tests to uncover “hidden demand”, working with a steering group to address “structural barriers” like land availability, planning delays and infrastructure constraints, and using rural forums and awards to make sure local voices are heard.
It also aims to carry out a widespread retrofit programme, though this depends on funding.
Commenting on the consultation, Pamela Johnston, rural and regeneration manager at the NIHE, said: “We are passionate about our strategy being reflective of real issues facing residents across every rural area including villages, townlands and hamlets in Northern Ireland.
“We want to hear from people living in our diverse rural areas, which all have their own unique strengths, issues and concerns."
She said the draft strategy has been “carefully co-designed with our rural partners”. The group will be accepting feedback until 20 March and the draft strategy can be viewed here.
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