A total of 300 new homes will be built across Northern Ireland under a new rental scheme, the Department for Communities has said.

The intermediate rent model will offer a below-market rate to help those on lower incomes who earn too much to qualify for social housing but are priced out of the private sector.

The homes will be built by property company Maple & May and it is hoped the first tenants will be in place from late 2026.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the scheme was an important step for hard working people and families struggling to access a home suited to their needs.

Eligibility for an intermediate rental property will be income-based and those eligible will be able to apply for the houses once advertised.

It is understood a single adult household must have an annual income of less than £30,000 and less than £40,000 for two-adult households,

Rent under this model should not be more than 30% of the household income.

It is understood as part of the intermediate rent model, tenancy deposits will not be upfront, but can be paid over a period of time. In addition, the tenancy agreement can be made for up to five years.

It is understood the houses will be built across 11 sites, with expected locations to include Belfast, Londonderry, Lisburn and Dungannon.

Lyons said: “I am pleased to reach this significant milestone, partnering with Maple & May to deliver the first affordable rent homes here as Intermediate Rent Operator. These will be high quality new build houses, providing excellent homes.”

Building work is expected to start at the beginning of 2026 and be available to rent later in the year.

Development director at Maple & May Jon Anderson said: “We believe that people deserve great services and standards in homes and this is an exciting opportunity for Maple and May to deliver 300 new affordable homes across Northern Ireland.”

Mr Anderson added that the company planned to build intermediate homes for rent, both within mixed tenure developments, alongside social and private homes, and as standalone intermediate rent sites.