The first ever independent study of Northern Ireland Housing Executive homes has found that they are in better condition than anywhere else in the United Kingdom.

Savills, an international firm of property consultants, has completed a major stock condition survey of Housing Executive homes and has concluded that our stock is by far the best quality housing stock that they have ever inspected.

Despite this, 17% of the Housing Executive's stock is below the Decent Homes standard and requires investment, primarily to replace obsolete and inefficient heating systems.

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Welcoming the report, Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie said: "The condition of the housing stock is a credit to the hard work and dedication of the Housing Executive.

"The report will now allow me to direct capital and revenue resources to ensure we get the best value regarding the repair, maintenance and improvement of the homes," she said.

"I note the guidance that Savills is offering on maintenance strategy and I will be studying the recommendations carefully in the weeks ahead."

A representative mix of over 9,000 properties across different property types throughout the Province were surveyed and Savills has made a series of recommendations relative to the Housing Executive stock which the Minister will now consider.

The company has undertaken the vast majority of stock condition surveys of Local Authorities and Housing Association properties throughout the UK in the last 10 years.

(PR/JM)