“Affordable housing is housing provided for sale or rent outside of the general market, for those whose needs are not met by the market. Affordable housing which is funded by Government must remain affordable or, alternatively, there must be provision for the public subsidy to be repaid or recycled in the provision of new affordable housing.”

Rationale for revising the definition: The overall policy and funding environment has moved on somewhat since the Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) was developed. New Government funding streams, the housing association sector’s desire to diversify and grow, and innovative new construction methods and products from private developers are all opening up opportunities for new affordable housing products.

As recognized in the draft Programme for Government (PfG) 2016–2021, housing challenges are broader than the need for social rented housing and shared ownership housing and Government must reflect wider housing needs and demands. An updated definition of affordable housing will take into account the needs of a wider range of groups, some of whom are not currently finding their needs adequately met by the market.

Definition of Affordable Housing – Further Stakeholder Engagement Department for Communities Housing Division, Belfast, Northern Ireland