A new affordable housing policy for Northern Ireland has set out the framework for the development of more high quality, long-term, affordable homes.

Published by the Department for Communities, the Intermediate Rent policy provides a new affordable housing option with the additional supply of 'Intermediate Rent' homes.

Intermediate Rent seeks to offer a more secure, affordable and supportive rental option for eligible households who are struggling with the costs of market rentals.

A spokesperson for the Department for Communities said: "The publication of the Intermediate Rent policy sets in place another lever to deliver an additional supply of affordable rental homes for low to moderate income households.

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"The policy aims to reduce the barriers which some households face in accessing or maintaining a rented home, such as tenancy insecurity, limited support services and, critically, unaffordably high rents."

Homes offered as Intermediate Rent will be delivered to a high quality standard and should offer effective and responsive maintenance to ensure tenants are able to avail of a good quality well-maintained home throughout their tenancy. The publication of a 'Homes for Intermediate Rent: Design Standards' guide alongside the policy sets out the expected design and finish standards associated with Intermediate Rent homes.

Intermediate Rent is one of a range of measures aimed at increasing the supply of, and access to, affordable housing. The delivery of more affordable housing is a central tenet of the draft Housing Supply Strategy, forms part of a strategic objective within the Department's 2022/23 Business Plan and was a priority for the former Minister. This new type of affordable housing can also contribute to supporting the delivery of affordable housing through Local Development Plans, which are being taken forward by councils.

Work continues to deliver a funding package which can support the practical delivery of a supply of new Intermediate Rent homes in the near future.