The Intermediate Rent scheme will offer funding in the form of a long-term, low interest government loan to an operator who will develop a new supply of affordable homes for rent. This funding scheme, developed through extensive engagement with the sector to determine the attractiveness and viability of the scheme, will bring to life the Department’s Intermediate Rent policy.
Mr Lyons said: “As Minister for Housing, it is my priority to bring forward a range of measures to ensure working families have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing.
“Intermediate Rent is a key strand of this. The funding available to deliver intermediate housing for rent will create a supply of homes offering another housing option for those who find themselves priced out of the mainstream rental market.
“Many people are struggling to access a home suited to their needs, exacerbated by increasing rents and insecurity in the private rented sector, while demand continues to exceed supply for social homes.”
Intermediate Rent is a new form of affordable rented housing, sitting between social housing and the private rented sector in terms of cost, and providing a high standard of quality and better security. It offers homes with discounted rents, making them available to those on lower incomes, and can offer another housing option to those struggling with affordability while either saving towards home ownership or while awaiting a social home.
The Minister continued: “Growing the supply of more affordable, better quality homes for rent with longer-term tenancies is a key commitment for my Department. The Intermediate Rent scheme will complement the Social Housing Development Programme, supporting people who might otherwise struggle to find rented accommodation, putting a home within reach of individuals and families.
“We are inviting potential operators to submit an application to run this innovative scheme, which will offer a more secure, cost effective and sustainable housing option.”
The funding will see the delivery of 300 new affordable Intermediate Rent homes in Northern Ireland in the first phase. Homes will be available to eligible lower income households, with discounted rents set at least 20% below market rent levels for a locality. Homes will be advertised for rent and applications will be open to eligible households.
Anyone interested in applying for this funding opportunity should review the application guidance and may request an application form via the DfC website. The window for applications will close at 4pm on 23 August 2024.