Luxury apartments in south Belfast, built by a private developer, could be dealt out as social housing, it has been revealed.

Housing Executive waiting lists could be alleviated if units in the Curzon development, on the Ormeau Road, are bought by the local housing association.

The upmarket scheme is located in the trendy heart of the city, and built on the site of the former Curzon picture house.

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Last week, Clanmil Housing confirmed it was in negotiations with the property's owner to buy all 61 flats.

The apartments are decribed by the vendor as "offering spectacular views with beautiful contemporary interiors".

So far only 14 flats have been booked privately, according to the BBC.

Kevin Watson from the Curzon development said anyone who had paid a deposit would still be able to purchase the property or get a refund.

The Housing Executive's John McPeake said it intended to buy a third of its housing stock from developers this year.

He said: "There are a lot of properties available on the market at this time and so there are good deals to be done and associations are stepping up to the mark and striking those good deals."

(PR/JM)