The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) has welcomed new figures showing a significant increase in social housing delivery, while cautioning that sustaining this progress will require urgent and continued support.
Figures published by the Department for Communities show that in 2025/26, Housing Associations delivered 1,765 social housing starts across Northern Ireland – a 17% increase on the previous year, supported by the £210 million housing association development programme. This is a welcome result given ever-increasing demand.
Responding to the announcement, NIFHA Chief Executive Seamus Leheny said:
“The latest figures from the Department for Communities are really encouraging. Behind them are hundreds of families, older people and individuals moving off waiting lists and into high-quality, modern homes.
Achieving this double-digit growth in an environment of restricted funding, wage and building supply inflation, wastewater connectivity issues and planning delays is testament to the efficiency and dedication of Housing Associations across the region.
This progress is, however, fragile. The sector remains committed to delivering an average of 2,200 social housing starts per year over the lifetime of the Housing Supply Strategy (2024–2039). However, there are also immediate targets that must be met.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to deliver at least 5,850 social housing starts by the end of 2027. With 1,504 starts in 2024/25 and 1,765 in 2025/26, this means at least 2,581 additional starts are required by the end of December 2027.
Without adequate and sustained funding from the Executive, it will be extremely challenging to meet this core Programme for Government target, particularly in light of ongoing pressures, including the December 2025 reduction in Housing Association Grant.”
NIFHA emphasised that Housing Associations continue to play a critical role in addressing housing need, supporting communities and driving economic activity. However, the Federation warned that without sustained investment and action to address systemic barriers, recent gains risk being undermined.
The organisation is calling for long-term funding certainty, planning reform and infrastructure solutions to ensure the momentum in social housing delivery can be maintained and increased to meet rising demand.