Homelessness presentations and acceptances drop 10% in Northern Ireland

Homelessness presentations in Northern Ireland dropped 10% in a year, according to new figures from the region’s executive.

The latest homelessness bulletin, released by the devolved government’s Department for Communities, revealed there had been 7,637 homelessness presentations between October 2024 and March 2025.

This compared with 8,452 in the same period the year prior.

Homeless acceptances – where households are legally recognised as homeless – also saw a 10 per cent reduction, from 5,698 to 5,135.

This decline was attributed to a fall in cases where ‘accommodation not reasonable’ was cited as the primary reason for homelessness, particularly cases where financial hardship was a factor.

While placements in temporary accommodation remained stable – 5,691 compared with 5,713 – there was an increase in the proportion of men and pensioners being placed.

Justin Cartwright, national director of the Chartered Institute of Housing Northern Ireland said the bulletin painted a “mixed picture”.

He welcomed the reduction of presentations and acceptances and said fewer people losing their homes due to financial hardship was “particularly welcome” and “may signal some positive shifts in the broader economic landscape for people”. 

“We also welcome the move towards more private single lets for temporary accommodation – these provide a more stable and dignified environment for people awaiting a long-term home,” he said.

“However, these statistics also highlight areas where continued, focused intervention is crucial. The private rented sector continues to be a pathway into homelessness, with property sales being a driver.” 

>> Read more: CIH Northern Ireland raises concern over £100m ‘cut’ to budget for new social homes 

Within the ‘loss of rented accommodation’ category, the sale of private rented property accounted for 62% of cases.

“If we are to keep more people in their private rented homes, we must carefully consider policies that don’t inadvertently disadvantage landlords, acknowledging the financial drivers and the tax system’s role,” said Cartwright.

He urged an expansion of ‘housing first’ solutions and an increase in prevention funding, as well as greater cooperation across agencies, particularly in addressing “complex issues” such as domestic abuse.

“Ultimately, a statutory duty to prevent homelessness, coupled with a mandate for inter-agency cooperation, would empower truly person-centred solutions and make sustainable progress towards addressing homelessness in Northern Ireland,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cartwright, along with other housing leaders in Northern Ireland issued a statement condemning the disorder and attacks on people’s homes that affected communities last week.

The statement, also signed by Nicola McCrudden, chief executive of Homeless Connect, Kate McCauley, chief executive of Housing Rights and Seamus Leheny chief executive of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations, said “everyone in society, regardless of ethnicity or race, has the right to peaceful and quiet enjoyment of their home and protection against forced eviction.”

It said: ”The recent attacks on people’s homes, and on a temporary site providing refuge for those affected, is unjustified and must be condemned. Any service, statutory or voluntary, upholding this right through provision of invaluable housing support to people experiencing homelessness should never be subject to violence and intimidation.” 

Police said there were some ‘sporadic’ disturbances over the weekend but at lower levels than last week.