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Background
In 2021, the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE) carried out a research study for the Department for Communities to explore the need for an Intermediate Rent (IR) scheme in Northern Ireland. The study aimed to assess demand, analyse rental affordability issues, and outline a practical way to finance and manage an IR scheme.
The research revealed significant gaps between market rents and social housing rents in several Local Government Districts (LGDs) in Northern Ireland. This left many households unable to afford private rents but also unable to qualify for social housing.
Drawing on lessons from Scotland and other parts of the UK, the study identified financial models—using a mix of Financial Transactions Capital (FTC) and private funding—that could support an Intermediate Rent scheme without requiring direct government grants.
What lead to this case study?
Summary
What are our key findings?
Around 50,400 private renters in Northern Ireland were facing affordability pressures, with 20,000 spending more than 40% of their income on rent.
The CaCHE study provided strong evidence that an Intermediate Rent scheme could help households struggling with high rents.
The report set out key principles for an IR scheme, including long-term tenancies, rents set below market rates, and a financial model combining public and private investment.
The findings played a key role in shaping discussions about housing policy and affordable renting solutions beyond traditional social housing.
Outcome
In March 2025, Northern Ireland’s Housing Minister, Gordon Lyons, announced the launch of a government-backed Intermediate Rent (IMR) scheme, directly influenced by the CaCHE research.
The programme will provide 300 homes through Maple & May, a subsidiary of Choice Housing Association, with rents set at 80% of the market rate.
This initiative marks an important step in tackling rental affordability issues while offering stable, long-term housing for those in need.
Our study provided the crucial evidence to support the case for Intermediate Rent in Northern Ireland. By identifying affordability pressures and practical financial models, we helped shape a policy that now offers a real solution for households struggling with high rents. The new programme is a direct result of that research, showing how evidence-based policymaking can make a real difference in addressing housing challenges.