Social housing boost as 1,765 new homes started across Northern Ireland

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with Michael McDonnell, Choice Group Chief Executive; Lyndsay Carr and two of her children Jessica and Luke; and Nicole Lappin, Chair, Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

A major increase in social housing delivery across Northern Ireland has been confirmed, with 1,765 new homes started in the past year following record levels of investment.

The £210 million building programme for 2025/26 marks a significant step up in supply, delivering a 17% increase on the previous year and offering fresh hope to thousands of households on waiting lists.

Investment drives rise in new homes

The figures were announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, who said the rise follows the largest-ever investment secured for the Social Housing Development Programme.

A total of 1,765 new social homes were started in 2025/26, up from 1,504 the previous year—an increase of 261 homes, or 17.4%.

Spending also reached a new high, with £210 million invested—14% above the previous peak of £184.3 million in 2022/23 and 19% higher than the £176.9 million spent in 2024/25.

Minister points to ‘clear commitment’ on housing

During a visit to a newly completed home in Carrickfergus, the Minister said the figures reflect a sustained effort to tackle housing need.

“I am pleased to see the increased provision of new social home starts which follows my securing of the largest investment ever in the Social Housing Development Programme. It reflects my clear commitment to helping people and families waiting for homes.

“I remain committed to doing all I can to deliver this, as there is still much more to do.”

He added that new grant rates have been introduced to push housing associations to deliver more homes per pound of public funding, alongside ongoing work with Executive colleagues to meet demand.

Long-term housing targets in focus

The increase comes as part of a wider plan under the Executive’s Housing Supply Strategy, which aims to deliver at least 100,000 new homes by 2039, with at least one third designated as social housing.

The Minister stressed the importance of collaboration across government and the housing sector to meet these long-term targets, while also launching reviews into both funding models and building standards to accelerate delivery without compromising quality.

“Despite the financial constraints and challenges faced, meaningful progress is being made. Housing is one of my top priorities and I am determined to deliver real results for those most in need,” he said.

Delivery partners highlight demand pressures

Sector leaders welcomed the increase in housing starts but warned that continued progress will depend on stable funding and coordinated planning.

Nicole Lappin, Chair of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, said:

“This will be good news for many households on the waiting list, given the growing demand for affordable housing across Northern Ireland.”

She added that despite budget uncertainty, close cooperation between housing associations, councils and infrastructure partners had helped maximise delivery this year.

Seamus Leheny, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations, said the sector had “proven once again” its ability to deliver homes despite challenges around funding, planning and infrastructure.

“We now move forward in working with the Department for Communities and other key stakeholders over the coming months to ensure we continue to build enough social and affordable homes in a mutually sustainable long-term manner,” he said.

Carrickfergus development shows local impact

The announcement was made during a visit to Minorca Avenue in Carrickfergus, part of a 146-home development delivered by Choice Housing.

The scheme includes a mix of two, three and four-bedroom properties, alongside wheelchair-accessible homes, with the first tenants moving in during June 2024 and the latest in March 2026.

For Lyndsay and Darren Carr, who recently received keys to their home, the impact has been immediate.

“Moving into our new home in Minorca Avenue has made a huge difference to us as a family with young children. It’s modern, comfortable and really suits our needs.

“This house represents a fresh start for us, and it has given us the stability and peace of mind we were hoping for.”

Housing associations underline scale of delivery

Choice Housing, which delivered the Carrickfergus scheme, has invested heavily in recent years to expand supply.

Chief Executive Michael McDonnell said the organisation has invested over £130 million in new builds over the past five years, starting 1,658 homes—the highest level in its 50-year history—while also committing £18 million to maintaining existing housing stock.

Between 2021 and 2026, the group directed more than £330 million into the Social Housing Development Programme, highlighting the scale of partnership funding required to sustain delivery.

Social housing in Northern Ireland continues to be delivered through the Social Housing Development Programme, a joint approach involving the Department for Communities, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and housing associations.

With demand continuing to rise, the latest increase in housing starts marks progress—but also underlines the scale of the challenge still facing families waiting for a place to call home.

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At a glance

• 1,765 new social homes started in Northern Ireland in 2025/26

• 17% increase compared to 1,504 starts in 2024/25

• £210 million invested — highest on record

• Spend up 14% on previous peak and 19% on last year

• Part of plan to deliver 100,000 homes by 2039

• Carrickfergus scheme includes 146 homes

• Development includes wheelchair-accessible properties

• Demand for social housing continues to rise