Lyons raises Co-Ownership property value limit
Date published:
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced an increase in the Co-Ownership property value limit to help support more people and families into home ownership.
This year’s change in the property value limit (PVL) will see an increase from £210,000 to £215,000, effective from 14 April 2026.
The rise in PVL will help provide Co-Ownership customers with greater access to a wider range of properties across Northern Ireland.
Minister Lyons said:
“I am committed to providing support where it is needed and helping as many people and families as possible get onto the property ladder.
“Co-Ownership is a key part of this commitment and an increase in the property value limit will help ensure more people can access homes to suit their needs.”
Minister Lyons has also confirmed that the Department for Communities will undertake a review into how the property value limit is calculated.
This will ensure that Co-Ownership, the Department’s sole delivery partner for intermediate homes, continues to provide appropriate and effective support for individuals seeking to enter the Northern Ireland housing market.
The Minister said:
“It is important that the property value limit reflects the realities of a fast-moving housing market and that is why I have asked my officials to review the current approach to calculating the property value limit.
“This is about taking stock, looking to the future, enhancing what has gone before, and ensuring that Co-Ownership continue to support as many people as possible into home ownership.”
In March 2025, Minister Lyons announced £153 million of Financial Transactions Capital (FTC) funding for Co-Ownership to deliver 4,000 affordable shared ownership homes by 2029.
Mark Graham, Chief Executive of Co-Ownership said:
“Co-Ownership welcomes the Minister’s continued commitment to shared ownership as a core element of the Housing Supply Strategy. Today’s announcement represents an encouraging step forward, helping more people across Northern Ireland access an affordable home through Co-Ownership.
“We look forward to working closely with officials as they review how the property value limit is calculated. Ensuring the limit accurately reflects real market conditions is essential to support our customers to find high‑quality, affordable homes that meet their needs.
“Since 1978, Co-Ownership has proudly supported more than 34,000 people on their journey into homeownership. Today’s announcement further strengthens that mission, and we remain committed to work with the Department to build on this progress.”
To find out more about Co-Ownership, visit: www.co-ownership.org
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption – Communities Minister Gordon Lyons is pictured with Mark Graham, Chief Executive of Co-Ownership.
- The Co-Own scheme has been operated by the Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Housing Association (Co-Ownership) since 1978. Co-Ownership, a housing association and registered charity, is the Department’s primary mechanism for the delivery of intermediate homes and has helped more than 34,000 people into home ownership.
- The property value limit (PVL) represents the maximum market value of a property that can be purchased through Co-Ownership, applying to their Co-Own and Co-Own for Over-55s products. It can be reviewed at any time by the Department.
- The Northern Ireland House Price Index reports that the average house price was £195,936 in Q4 2025, an increase of 7.5% since Q4 2024.
- Co-Ownership reported in its 2024/25 Social Impact Report that 91% of its purchases were made by first time buyers.
- 47% of Co-Ownership customers for Q1-Q3 2025/26 came from the private rented sector.
- In March 2025, Minister Lyons announced £153m in government funding for Co-ownership through to 2028/29 as part of an overall package of £696m, including £153m from Co-Ownership private finance and £390m from mortgage lenders.
- To learn more about Co-Ownership, please visit the website: www.co-ownership.org
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