Housing satisfaction levels rise in Northern Ireland

The report also found that in 2023-24, people living in rural areas of Northern Ireland were more likely to be satisfied with their home (95%) than those living in urban areas (91%).

Meanwhile, Protestants were slightly more likely to be satisfied with their home (94%) than Catholics (92%), and men (93%) were slightly more likely to be satisfied than women (92%), the figures showed. 

The annual report from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency also featured data published earlier this year on homelessness and new social housebuilding in the region.

As of 31 March 2024, there were 47,312 applicants on the social housing waiting list. Of these, 35,464 were in housing stress, meaning they have 30 or more points under the social housing selection scheme.

The local government districts with the highest number of applicants were Belfast (12,726) and Derry City & Strabane (6,106).

In 2023-24, 11,537 households were accepted as statutorily homeless. Families (35%) and single males (27%) were the household types with the highest proportion of homelessness acceptances in 2023-24.

In the private rented sector, the average weekly rent was £133. In the social rented sector, the average weekly rent was £89.

The Social Housing Development Programme, managed by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, saw a 23% decrease in starts in 2023-24. Last year, there were 1,508 starts under the programme, down from 1,956 in 2022-23.

In the same period, there were 1,403 completions under the programme, a 3% decrease on the previous year (1,449).

Finally, Northern Ireland’s Affordable Warmth Scheme improved 2,746 homes in 2023-24.