The latest Department for Communities Northern Ireland Housing Bulletin for April to June 2026 reveals the scale of homelessness across Northern Ireland. For the first time, official statistics are available for both individuals and households with homelessness status, providing a fuller picture of the people affected by the housing crisis.
The figures show that 64,417 people across Northern Ireland now have homelessness status (Full Duty Applicants). These individuals come from 34,091 households.
Ten years ago, the equivalent figures stood at 30,027 people and 15,075 households.
As a result, the number of people with homelessness status has increased by 115% over the past decade, while the number of households has increased by 126%.
Furthermore, households with homelessness status now account for 67% of all households on the social housing waiting list. In 2016, they represented just 40% of waiting-list households.
Homelessness Continues to Rise
Although homelessness figures have been increasing for many years, the newly published individual-level data highlights the scale of the issue more clearly than ever before.
More than 64,000 people across Northern Ireland are now living with homelessness status. Consequently, homelessness affects a growing proportion of those seeking access to social housing.
At the same time, social housing allocations have fallen.
During the 12 months to 30 June 2026, the Housing Executive and housing associations allocated 5,934 homes to applicants who were not already social housing tenants. This was 239 fewer than the 6,173 recorded in the previous 12-month period.
Growth Recorded in Every Council Area
Every council area recorded an increase in the number of people with homelessness status between 2016 and 2026. However, the rate of growth varied significantly across Northern Ireland.
In percentage terms, Fermanagh and Omagh experienced the largest increase. The number of people with homelessness status rose from 398 in 2016 to 2,269 in 2026, an increase of 470%.
In contrast, Newry, Mourne and Down recorded the smallest increase. Nevertheless, numbers still rose considerably, increasing from 3,364 to 5,443 people, a rise of 62%.
Meanwhile, Belfast continued to record the highest overall number of people with homelessness status. The figure increased from 9,826 people in 2016 to 20,152 in 2026.
Fewer Households Are Presenting as Homeless
While overall homelessness continues to reach record levels, the latest bulletin shows a reduction in new homelessness presentations.
During the quarter, 3,900 households presented as homeless, representing a decrease of 217 households (5.3%) compared with the same period last year.
Indeed, this was the lowest figure for this quarter since 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Several presentation categories recorded notable reductions. Applications linked to accommodation that was not reasonable to occupy fell by 108 households (11.3%), while presentations linked to domestic abuse decreased by 70 households (17.4%). In addition, presentations arising from sharing or family disputes fell by 53 households (6.1%).
However, not every category showed a decline. Presentations linked to violence or the risk of violence increased by 75 households (70.1%), while those linked to the loss of rented accommodation rose by 20 households (3.3%).
Looking at household types, family presentations fell by 150 households (12.5%), while presentations by single males aged 26 to 59 fell by 48 (4.5%). The only household type that recorded an increase was single females aged 18 to 25, where presentations rose by five households.
Homelessness Acceptances Fell Sharply
The most significant change in the latest bulletin concerns households accepted as homeless.
During the quarter, 2,422 households were accepted as Full Duty Applicants, compared with 2,958 households during the same period in the previous year. This represents a reduction of 18.1%.
Most acceptance categories recorded substantial falls. Acceptances linked to accommodation that was not reasonable to occupy decreased by 171 households (20.4%). Similarly, acceptances linked to sharing or family disputes fell by 24.3%, while acceptances relating to households with no accommodation in Northern Ireland decreased by 95 households (35.3%).
Once again, the only category to record an increase involved violence or the risk of violence, where acceptances rose by 47 households (57.3%).
Acceptances also fell across every household type. Family acceptances decreased by 206 households (20.6%), while acceptances involving single males aged 26 to 59 fell by 155 households (24.5%). Acceptances for single females aged 26 to 59 also declined, falling by 60 households (18.8%).
What Stands Out?
Three key findings emerge from the latest figures.
First, the number of people and households with homelessness status continues to rise, with more than 64,000 people now living with homelessness status across Northern Ireland.
Second, homelessness has increased in every council area over the past decade, although the scale of growth varies significantly between council areas.
Third, the number of households presenting as homeless and being accepted as homeless has fallen over the past year. Despite this, the overall number of people and households with homelessness status continues to rise.
Taken together, these figures suggest that homelessness remains one of the most significant social challenges facing Northern Ireland. Although fewer households presented as homeless or were accepted as full duty applicants during the quarter than in the same period last year, the total number of people and households on the waiting list with homelessness status remains exceptionally high.
By Mark Baillie
