The Portaferry Cohousing project, located on a 10-acre site north of Cloughey Road in Portaferry (behind Rectory Wood), is set to be the first co-housing development in Northern Ireland.

It features 32 eco-friendly detached and semi-detached homes built to Passive House standards, each with private gardens and kitchens.

Additional elements include a large Common House for shared activities, 5 garages, communal gardens and green spaces (with 1,500 trees already planted), areas for food growing, and some serviced self-build sites.

The project emphasizes community living, with shared facilities, weekly communal meals, and a supportive environment for up to 32 families or individuals.

Planning permission was unanimously approved on May 7, 2025, by the Ards and North Down Borough Council Planning Committee.

This followed a submission in late 2024 or early 2025, with the site zoned as agricultural land (5.49 hectares).

The land was initially purchased by three founding members, and the group plans to raise capital to acquire it fully.

Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with work proceeding in phases—starting with 15 houses.

As of mid-2025, the project is in the post-approval stage, with ongoing community engagement like info sessions and membership drives.

To join, prospective members pay a £1,000 deposit to reserve a site and must attend meetings for three months; house prices are estimated around £150,000 (based on 2023 figures, subject to change).

The area offers good amenities, including schools, bus services to Newtownards, and a ferry to Strangford.

For the latest, check the official site or contact portaferrycohousing@gmail.com.