O’Dowd announces Shared Property Management reform plans
Date published:
Finance Minister John O’Dowd 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 John O’Dowd 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.
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