Social Housing in Downpatrick
Social housing in Downpatrick is low-cost rented housing owned and let by councils and housing associations to households in housing need, with rents kept well below market levels. Land to Homes aims to plan and build social rent homes on the sites it brings forward, working with councils and housing associations. We do not allocate homes: allocations are made by councils and housing providers through their own lists.
Downpatrick · BT30Register your interest
Tell us where you want to live and what you need. Free, no obligation.
Registering interest is not a housing application. Social and affordable homes are allocated by councils and housing providers through their own lists.
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6248.
- Free to registerNo fees, no deposit, no obligation
- Hear firstIf homes are released near you
- Affordable homesWith councils and housing associations
- Clear informationTenure, specification and warranty
- UK-wideEngland, Wales, Scotland and NI
Registering for homes in Downpatrick
We cover Downpatrick as part of County Down. It is about 23 miles south of Bangor (County Down), around postcode district BT30. The nearest other places we cover are Castlereagh (18 miles), Newtownards (18 miles) and Lisburn (19 miles).
People registering interest around Downpatrick can tell us whether they want homes for affordable rent, homes for private rent or two- and three-bedroom family homes. In Northern Ireland, where Downpatrick sits, planning decisions are made by the 11 district councils, with the Department for Infrastructure deciding regionally significant applications.
Registering for Downpatrick is free and you can ask us to remove your details at any time.
What you get in Downpatrick
Homes for the long term
Homes are designed for long-term letting, with durable materials, practical layouts and running costs for tenants kept in mind.
Built to landlord standards
Social landlords have their own design and quality standards, and we design to them from the outset so homes are ready to transfer.
Homes for social landlords
We plan and build social rent homes for councils and housing associations to own, manage and let to households from their lists.
We do not allocate homes
Allocations are made by councils and housing providers through their own lists and policies. We cannot add anyone to a list or influence who is offered a home.
Planning in Downpatrick: the Northern Irish rules
Social homes in Downpatrick are built mainly by registered housing associations through the Social Housing Development Programme. The Department for Communities funds the programme and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive manages it, assessing need and drawing up a rolling three-year plan. Housing associations are regulated by the Department for Communities. Land to Homes can bring forward land and build homes for housing association partners.
In Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive runs the Housing Selection Scheme and the common waiting list for its own homes and those of housing associations. Housing associations, regulated by the Department for Communities, build most new social homes through the Social Housing Development Programme, which the Housing Executive manages.
| National planning policy | Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS, Edition 2), applied with retained Planning Policy Statements until each council adopts its Plan Strategy |
|---|---|
| In-principle consent | Outline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later |
| Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer) | Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) |
| Developer contributions | Section 76 planning agreements under the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (there is no Community Infrastructure Levy) |
Your questions answered for Downpatrick
What is the difference between social housing and affordable housing?
Social housing usually means low-cost rented homes let by councils and housing associations at social rents. Affordable housing is a wider term that also includes affordable rent, shared ownership, discounted sale and, in Scotland, mid-market rent. All social housing is affordable housing, but not all affordable housing is social housing.
How are social rents set?
In England, social rents are set using a government formula under the Rent Standard, which the Regulator of Social Housing oversees. Wales has its own rent policy for social landlords, and in Scotland social landlords set rents in consultation with their tenants. Northern Ireland has its own arrangements. Social rents are generally well below private market levels.
Does building new social homes shorten waiting lists?
New social homes add to the supply that councils and housing associations can allocate, which helps, but waiting times depend on local demand, turnover of existing homes and allocation policies. We cannot say how any individual household would be affected. Your council's housing team can explain local waiting times and your position on the list.
How is social housing allocated?
Councils and housing associations allocate social homes using published allocation policies that give priority to households in housing need, such as people who are homeless, overcrowded or living in unsuitable housing. Many areas use a shared register or choice-based lettings, where applicants bid for advertised homes. The details vary by council and by nation.
Can I register for new homes in Downpatrick?
Yes. Registering for Downpatrick is free and does not commit you to anything. There are no homes available yet; if we bring homes forward in or near Downpatrick, we will contact you.
Read more: Social Housing · Guide: Renting a new-build home: tenancy rules in England, Wales, Scotland and NI