Tenants in some of Northern Ireland’s most deprived areas will soon be able to buy a share in their home, the Social Development Minister has said.

Social housing renters will be able to purchase part of their home from housing associations, Margaret Ritchie added.

At present they can only buy in one lump sum, potentially unaffordable in the grip of the credit crunch.

Ms Ritchie said the house sales scheme had enabled over 100,000 sitting tenants to become owners.

“However, when I entered office I realised that many people wanted to get onto the property ladder but simply could not afford to do so. Now many more can,” she said.

Eligible tenants will be able to buy a quarter stake initially, followed by increments of 5%.

At present if tenants have lived in public housing for some time they can buy the whole property at a discount.

Under this scheme, if they buy half the house they will receive 70% of the discount available if they were purchasing the entire property.

Ms Ritchie added: “It is about improving the lot of people.”