Intermediate Housing Definition

Intermediate Housing consists of shared ownership housing provided through a Registered Housing Association (e.g. the Co Ownership Housing Association) and helps households who can afford a small mortgage, but that are not able to afford to buy a property outright. The property is split between part ownership by the householder and part social renting form the Registered Housing Association. The proportion of property ownership and renting can vary depending on householder circumstances and preferences. The current eligibility criterion for shared ownership is set out on the Department of Social Development website. In addition the definition of intermediate housing used for the purposes of this policy may change over time to incorporate other forms of housing tenure below open market rates and the model of shared ownership may be reviewed.