NIFHA Press Room
Over 1,800 new homes started
Monday 5 April 2010
The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) is delighted its members exceeded the government’s target and started 1,838 new social housing units in 2009-10.Despite continued economic uncertainty, and squeeze on finance, our members were able to exceed the target of 1,750 new starts. In addition the new starts are more sustainable and more energy efficient homes giving long-term gains to those living in them.
Co-Ownership Housing had a total of 500 properties in contract to purchase for the year, meanwhile their total staircasing cases was 187.
NIFHA’s Chief Executive, Chris Williamson, commented: “We are delighted with these new start and Co-ownership figures.
"This last financial year saw a huge number of challenges for housing associations. To not only meet but exceed the Minister’s new start target and achieve so much for home ownership in light of this is a superb result.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
- Minister Ritchie’s target for new starts in 2009-10 was 1,750 units of accommodation.
- NIFHA is the umbrella organisation representing, supporting and promoting the activities of registered and non-registered Housing Associations in Northern Ireland.
- Housing Associations provide over 30,000 units of accommodation - a quarter all social rented housing in NI.
- Co-ownership Housing has supported 21,000 households to purchase a home of their own since its inception.
- Since 1998 Housing Associations have provided virtually of all new social housing in NI
