Last week, Northern Ireland’s housing minister Gordon Lyons announced plans for a government-funded intermediate rental housing scheme based on this research. This will involve more than 300 homes across Northern Ireland with rents set at 80% market rent (or lower).

Professor Ken Gibb from the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE) shares his reflections on the unique experience of helping to develop a brand-new housing tenure in Scotland. In this blog, he explores the journey behind the New Affordable Rent model—an innovative approach designed to bridge the gap between social housing and the private rental market.

With rising affordability challenges and increasing pressure on the housing sector, this initiative aims to provide a sustainable and accessible alternative for those who struggle to afford market rents but do not qualify for social housing. Ken discusses the collaborative process that brought together policymakers, housing providers, and researchers to shape this model, highlighting the evidence-based approach that underpinned its development.

He also delves into the policy and practical considerations of implementation, the challenges faced along the way, and the potential long-term impact on tenants and the wider housing system. This blog offers a fascinating insight into how research and policy can come together to create meaningful change in the housing sector.

Read the full blog on the CaCHE website.

First published: 23 March 2025

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