Finance Minister John O’Dowd has confirmed plans to reform the management of shared property after his department completed a study.
The review considered previous policy work, comparisons with neighbouring areas, and input from housing associations, conveyancers and elected representatives.
The report set out policy options for reform, including a registration scheme for managing agents and wider changes to land law.
O’Dowd has told the Department of Finance to set up a dedicated team with the skills needed to move the work forward.
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.”
O’Dowd added: “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.”
