Group repair scheme aims to assist owner occupiers, generally of terraced houses, to improve exterior of their homes. This scheme is currently on hold due to a funding shortfall.

Group repair scheme is targeted to terraces of older privately own houses in areas of poor housing conditions.

What work is included?

A group repair grant is available to help you:

• replace roof coverings
• replace rainwater goods
• rebuild chimneys
• repaint or render brickwork
• replace windows and external doors
• upgrade front garden areas.
  

What properties are eligible?

The Housing Executive will only consider a group repair grant where:

• at least 4 adjoining houses (i.e. a terrace) require repairs
• at least 75% of those properties are in disrepair
• at least 25% of households in those properties are in receipt of a benefit such as housing benefit, income support, job seekers allowance, etc.
• the properties are expected to be inhabitable for at least another 30 years.
  

All households, as well as the Housing Executive, have to reach an agreement about the proposed work to their property, before the scheme can be approved.

The cost of the repairs is usually assessed through an external survey and householders are expected to cover up to a maximum of 50% of the estimated costs. This may be reduced if you agree to a test of resources.

Find out more about Group repairs scheme on NIHE’s website.