The Department of Infrastructure’s Housing Division is adopting innovative new ways of working to meet the demand for affordable homes in the Isle of Man.

The successful delivery of the right type of properties in the right locations is helping people to find a suitable home, including those seeking to buy their first home and those on public sector waiting lists.

In addition to providing financial assistance to first-time buyers, the Housing Division works in partnership with local housing authorities, planners, developers and construction professionals to influence the supply of new-build and refurbished properties. This includes apartments, houses and accommodation for elderly people and others with special needs.

Almost ?70million has been invested in public sector housing and more than ?6million provided in financial assistance to first-time buyers.

Since 2011, approaching 500 affordable homes have been built in the Isle of Man. Half this total has been additional properties for first-time buyers and public sector tenants, and half replacement housing for substandard public sector properties.

Chris Thomas MHK, Department Member whose responsibilities include Housing, has highlighted the positive outcome of a recent example of collaborative and flexible working.

He commented: ‘The Department worked with a developer and local housing authority to provide affordable housing for rent within a new development of 30 properties. This has worked well and the Commissioners have been able to add properties to their housing stock as part of an integrated housing and development plan covering several sites in the town.’

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘The provision of affordable housing remains an important issue and the Department is fully committed to helping people find a suitable place to live. The Housing Division is focused on meeting the challenges of a constantly evolving market to ensure a good supply and mix of homes is coming through.’

He added: ‘We are working with developers through the planning and design stages of new developments to ensure we can achieve the range of properties needed to satisfy local demand. This also includes the flexibility to change the type of house under construction in response to market conditions. The latest successes include affordable homes in new developments at Shipyard Road in Ramsey, Ballakilley in Port Erin, Ballawattleworth in Peel and Cronk Cullyn in Colby.’

For further information about affordable housing visit the Government website at https://www.gov.im/categories/home-and-neighbourhood/affordable-housing/.