Explanatory notes on Selection of Supplementary Multipliers


Supplementary Multipliers can be applied to new build and rehabilitation units when the accommodation is designed to meet the relevant standards set out in the Design Standards Guide. Use of supplementary multipliers is intended to reflect the additional costs entailed, for instance, in provision of particular property for particular client groups; accommodation with particular features; or to meet specific standards. Multipliers should only be used where additional costs are being incurred to make the particular provision.

More than one Supplementary Multiplier can be used per unit.  However, certain combinations of multipliers are invalid.  Multipliers for elderly, frail elderly and supported housing cannot be combined. For more details see the Valid Combinations of Multipliers.

The main reason for combinations of multipliers being invalid is that the combination of those multipliers would lead to a duplication of the financial provision for the facilities accounted for in the multipliers, e.g., category 2 includes new lifts and single storey. This means that in these circumstances the other relevant multiplier does not apply, i.e., a new lift or single storey multiplier cannot be used with a category 2 multiplier. Clarification on use of some multipliers is provided below, others should be self-evident taken in conjunction with the Department's Design requirements.

(180)  Elderly Category 3 Multiplier

Applies mainly to ‘shared’ schemes, but can be applied in whole or in part to ‘self-contained’ type schemes at the discretion of NIHE (DPG).

(185/178)  Supported Housing Multiplier

Applies to eligible schemes defined as ‘supported housing’ with specific facilities or support provided to meet the needs of particular client groups outlined in Supported Housing

  • Supported housing schemes with shared facilities cannot be combined with either of the 3 common room multipliers in Part G of the supplementary multiplier table, but can be combined with the small common room multiplier in Part I;
  • The Supported Housing multiplier cannot be used for self-contained staff units.

(197)  BREEAM

Applies to new build multi-residential schemes where shared accommodation has achieved BREEAM New Construction: Multi Residential at a level of Very Good or where major rehabilitation/re-improvement schemes have achieved BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment 2012 at a level of Very Good.

(200)  Shared Bedspaces per Unit

The appropriate ‘shared’ multiplier is determined by the number of persons sharing facilities within the shared unit.  For the purposes of determining the appropriate supplementary multipliers, a shared housing scheme may comprise more than one shared unit, provided they are entirely self-sufficient.  The new TCI base table is deemed to include all communal and ancillary facilities.

(245)  Served by New Lifts Multiplier

Used when new vertical wheelchair accessible passenger lift provision is incorporated in a block for access to dwelling entrances and communal accommodation.

(250)  Common Room Multiplier

Applies only to Elderly Category 1 and self-contained supported housing designed to meet the relevant standards set out in the Design Standards Guide.  

It must be noted that for Category 1 schemes claiming the Associated Communal Facilities, the scheme supervisor call/alarm facility must be provided and at least two other facilities (i.e., scheme supervisor’s office, laundry room, covered walkway or guest room). 

For self-contained supported housing schemes claiming the Associated Communal Facilities, at least 3 facilities must be provided (i.e., scheme supervisor’s office, scheme supervisor call/alarm facility, laundry room, covered walkway, guest room or staff sleep-over room).

(287)  Energy Efficiency Multiplier

Applies to new build situations where self-contained units achieve SAP Band A and meet the minimum Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard (FEES).  It can also be used for Category 1 Older People, Category 2 Older People and self-contained wheelchair units, where applicable.

(380/385)  Wheelchair Multiplier

Applies to self-contained units designed for wheelchair use; and to shared units designed for wheelchair use where wheelchair use is the predominant occupancy within that unit. For more information see Specific Wheelchair Housing Design Standards

(390)  Small Common Room Multiplier

Applies only to:

  1. Schemes consisting of 25% wheelchair units: 75% general needs units; or
  2. Schemes consisting of two or more shared supported housing units, where each shared unit is self-sufficient, e.g., cluster flats.

(410)  Design and Build (SCT) Contract Multiplier

Used when the main contractual responsibility for design rests with the contractor. For more information see Scheme Types

(800)  Approved Departmental Adjustment

Applies to schemes where a departmental adjustment (enhancement) has been approved and DPG have provided the association with a scheme-specific multiplier to reflect the accepted extraordinary scheme costs.

General Note - where an Association is in any doubt concerning the appropriateness of the application of any supplementary multiplier, it is advised to seek advice from NIHE Development Programme Group (DPG), Schemes & Technical Team, 4th Floor, Housing Centre (028) 9031 8400. 

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