BELFAST, 27 November 2025 - Northern Ireland is no longer one of the most affordable markets in the UK. This was the common theme that echoed Northern Ireland’s only conference focused on the Private Rented Sector (PRS).
One sixth of the housing market in Northern Ireland is part of the private rented sector.
Housing Rights’ Private Rented Sector 2025 Conference held on November 26th highlighted some key issues that indicate the growing problems in the private rented sector in Northern Ireland.
Kevin Cunningham, Lecturer in Politics, TU Dublin, and Founder of Ireland Thinks said, “Lower income earners are spending a longer time in the rental market in NI.” Renters in Northern Ireland typically stay in a property for an average of four years.
Some positive developments have been noticed. The Electrical Safety Standards for Private Tenancies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 will now apply to all tenancies by 1 December this year. These regulations ensure a safe home for tenants as it ensures landlords have their hardwired electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified electrician every five years, or less if the most recent report specifies a shorter timeframe.
The conference also discussed the impact of PRS in preventing homelessness.
“Good practice can lead to policy change and make PRS a part of the solution to prevent homelessness,” James Mullaney, Senior Best Practice Officer (Homelessness Prevention) at homelessness charity Crisis, said.
Luke Arundel, Evidence and Data Lead at Centre for Homelessness Impact, emphasised key measures to prevent homelessness.
Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Homelessness Prevention Fund also focuses on early intervention through advice and advocacy.
The conference, sponsored by Tenancy Deposit Scheme and Electrical Safety First, closed to some positive views on tackling the key issues impacting housing in Northern Ireland.
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