Homelessness in Northern Ireland more than doubles in a decade: 'People have no other option'

The number of households with homelessness status in Northern Ireland has more than doubled in the last decade, damning new figures show.

Released on Thursday (29 May), the latest Housing Bulletin from the devolved government’s Department for Communities paints a bleak picture of homelessness across the region.

In 2015, some 13,644 households in Northern Ireland were homeless – either living in temporary accommodation while awaiting permanent housing or out on the streets. As of March 2025, that figure has surged to 31,719 – an increase of 132% over ten years.

The problem has recently accelerated: 10 of Northern Ireland’s 11 councils recorded a rise in the number of households with homelessness status in the year ending 31 March 2025. Over that 12-month period, 2,325 households became homeless, representing an 8% increase.

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Rising rents, stagnant wages, and pressure on housing benefit have all contributed to the crisis. Advocacy groups warn that without significant intervention and investment in social housing, homelessness in Northern Ireland will continue to grow.

“Across every council area, too many families and individuals are finding themselves locked out of access to social and genuinely affordable housing,” Nicola McCrudden, chief executive of Homeless Connect, warned.

“People have no other option but to enter the homelessness system with all the consequences this can have for them and their families.”

While homelessness is rising across the UK, Northern Ireland has seen the sharpest increase. According to the most recent comparative data, between 2023 and 2024, the number of households recognised as homeless by local authorities rose by 13.5% in Northern Ireland. That compares to 12.3% in England, 8% in Wales and 3% in Scotland.

The latest figures also highlight the regional breakdown of homelessness in Northern Ireland.

Belfast City Council has the highest number of homeless households at 9,975 – more than double the 4,557 recorded in March 2015. Derry and Strabane follow with 4,437 households (a 121% rise over the decade), and Newry, Mourne and Down recorded 2,803 (up 112%).

McCrudden said the root of the problem is a severe shortage of social housing.

“It is a simple fact that we need a sufficient supply of housing to prevent homelessness. Without these social homes, this trend will only continue to worsen with the social, economic and relational consequences this has for those impacted,” she continued.

“We urge the Executive to use every lever available to them to find the resources needed to deliver on the social housing we need to see.”

As of March 31, 49,083 households were on the social housing waiting list in Northern Ireland – up 25% from 39,338 in March 2015. Of those, 31,719 households also had homelessness status.

In December, the Department for Communities published its Housing Supply Strategy, which was endorsed by the Executive. The 15-year plan aims to deliver 100,000 homes by 2039, with one-third designated for social housing.

But progress is slow, warned McCrudden.

“The Department for Communities has confirmed that the initial budget allocation for 2025/6 will only allow them to build up to 1,000 social housing new starts this year,” she said. “This is far short of the over 2,000 new starts needed this year to meet the target.”

During the 2022–23 financial year, the Northern Ireland Executive spent over £32 million on temporary accommodation – more than double the amount spent five years earlier.

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