Finance Minister has confirmed his intention to
drive forward reform in the management of shared property
following the completion of a departmental scoping study.
Currently, there is no legislation or regulatory framework
specifically governing shared property in this jurisdiction. The
review draws on previous policy work, comparative analysis with
neighbouring jurisdictions, and initial engagement with key
stakeholders including housing associations, conveyancers, and
elected representatives.
The report identifies several policy options for future reform,
ranging from introducing a registration scheme for managing
agents or undertaking more fundamental reform of land law.
In response, Minister O'Dowd has directed the Department of
Finance to establish a dedicated team with the appropriate skills
and expertise to take this work forward.
Outlining his plans for reform, Finance Minister said: “This review
highlights the pressing need to modernise how shared property is
managed here. As our housing landscape evolves, we must ensure
that residents living in apartments and other shared developments
are protected by clear, fair, and effective regulation.
“I am committed to progressing this work. My Department
will be putting in place a dedicated team to commence this work
from the start of the 2026/27 financial year to begin developing
policy proposals that will lead to legislative reform.
“As we move into the next phase of this work, we will
liaise closely with a wide range of stakeholders, building on the
initial engagement that took place as part of the scoping report.
Homeowners, as well as other interested parties, will be able to
engage with my Department, set out their concerns and raise
relevant issues as it takes this work forward. That will inform
an important part of the policy development process and help
shape future legislation.”
The report identifies several policy options for future policy in
this area and is available at: www.finance-ni.gov.uk/publications/review-shared-property-management-policy
Notes to editors:
1. The report identifies key issues and outlines potential policy
options for future legislative change.
2. Shared property refers to the common parts of a building or
development which do not form part of the individual dwellings.
Generally, in an apartment development, the common parts will
include the structure and roof of the building, any shared spaces
within the building, such as corridors, stairways, lifts together
with any outdoor spaces, such as car parking and gardens. In
housing developments, the shared property tends to be open
spaces, which are often grass areas.
