Definition of Affordable Housing

Affordable housing is available to households who otherwise could not house themselves, for example, because they would struggle to afford the cost of housing in the open market, or they need a specific type of house which is not commonly available. Affordable housing is therefore provided outside of the general housing market. Affordable homes are delivered via specially designed products, which are operated according to specific criteria to ensure that, where government funding is provided, it is targeted based on objective need. The criteria are specific to each product. For instance, the allocation of social rented housing is governed by the Housing Selection Scheme administered by Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Government funded affordable housing should remain affordable for future eligible households. However, where this is not possible, arrangements will be put in place for government funding to be repaid or recycled to support the provision of further affordable housing for future households.