Explanatory notes on Selection of Supplementary Multipliers
1.0 Supplementary Multipliers can be applied to new build and rehabilitation units when the accommodation is designed to meet the relevant standards set out in the Design Standards Guide. Use of supplementary multipliers is intended to reflect the additional costs entailed, for instance, in provision of particular property for particular client groups; accommodation with particular features; or to meet specific standards. Multipliers should only be used where additional costs are being incurred to make the particular provision.
1.1 More than one Supplementary Multiplier can be used per unit. However, certain combinations of multipliers are invalid. Multipliers for elderly, frail elderly and supported housing cannot be combined. For more details see the Valid Combinations of Multipliers.(PDF 35KB)
The main reason for combinations of multipliers being invalid is that the combination of those multipliers would lead to a duplication of the financial provision for the facilities accounted for in the multipliers, e.g., category 2 includes new lifts and single storey. This means that in these circumstances the other relevant multiplier does not apply, i.e., a new lift or single storey multiplier cannot be used with a category 2 multiplier. Clarification on use of some multipliers is provided below, others should be self-evident taken in conjunction with DSD’s Design requirements.
(b) Elderly Category 3 Multiplier
Applies mainly to ‘shared’ schemes, but can be applied in whole or in part to ‘self-contained’ type schemes at the discretion of NIHE (DPG).
(c) Supported Housing Multiplier Applies to eligible schemes defined as ‘supported housing’ with specific facilities or support provided to meet the needs of particular client groups outlined in Supported Housing
- Supported housing schemes with shared facilities cannot be combined with either of the 3 common room multipliers in part h of the supplementary multiplier table, but can be combined with the small common room multiplier in part k;
- The Supported Housing multiplier cannot be used for self-contained staff units.
(d) Listed Building/ Conservation Area Multiplier
Applies to schemes or parts of schemes where a listed building or building in a conservation area is being rehabilitated or re-improved.
(e) Shared Bedspaces per Unit
The appropriate ‘shared’ multiplier is determined by the number of persons sharing facilities within the shared unit. For the purposes of determining the appropriate supplementary multipliers, a shared housing scheme may comprise more than one shared unit, provided they are entirely self-sufficient. The new TCI base table is deemed to include all communal and ancillary facilities.
(f) Served by New Lifts Multiplier
Used when new vertical wheelchair accessible passenger lift provision is incorporated in a block for access to dwelling entrances and communal accommodation.
(h) Common Room MultiplierApplies only to Elderly Category 1 and self-contained supported housing designed to meet the relevant standards set out in the Design Standards Guide.
- It must be noted that for Category 1 schemes claiming the Associated Communal Facilities, the scheme supervisor call/alarm facility must be provided and at least two other facilities (i.e., scheme supervisor’s office, laundry room, covered walkway or guest room).
- For self-contained supported housing schemes claiming the Associated Communal Facilities, at least 3 facilities must be provided (i.e., scheme supervisor’s office, scheme supervisor call/alarm facility, laundry room, covered walkway, guest room or staff sleep-over room).
(i) Zero-rated VAT Rehabilitation Multiplier
Used where the scope of the rehabilitation or conversion work is such that the relevant local VAT office determines that the work is zero-rated for VAT purposes. This applies mainly to dwellings created by conversion of existing buildings in non-residential use. This multiplier does not apply to situations where the listed building multiplier applies.
(j) Wheelchair MultiplierApplies to self-contained units designed for wheelchair use; and to shared units designed for wheelchair use where wheelchair use is the predominant occupancy within that unit. For more information see Specific Wheelchair Housing Design Standards
(k) Small Common Room Multiplier
Applies only to:
- Schemes consisting of 25% wheelchair units: 75% general needs units; or
- Schemes consisting of two or more shared supported housing units, where each shared unit is self-sufficient, e.g., cluster flats.
(l) Design and Build (SCT) Contract Multiplier Used when the main contractual responsibility for design rests with the contractor. For more information see Scheme Types
(m) Special Planning Requirements Multiplier
Used when one of the following applies:
- New build in designated conservation areas or new build associated with a listed or de-listed building where special planning conditions apply; or
- New build or rehabilitation in designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
(n) Special Services Requirements Multiplier
Used where mains drainage is not available and a small sewage treatment plant or pumping station has to be provided by the Association in undertaking new build or rehabilitation.
*(Note: This supplementary multiplier is only available for single or a pair of dwellings - it is not to be used for schemes with three or more units.
(o) Lifetime Homes Multiplier
Applies only to:
- 2 and 3 storey houses, having at least one bedroom at first floor level; bungalows, ground floor flats and flats served with a lift; and one & a-half storey houses, having at least one bedroom at ground floor level. It can also apply to individual first floor flats without a lift, but where the stairs are designed to allow a future stair lift to be provided.
- Dwellings complying with lifetime homes criteria as defined in the Design Standards Guide.*
*(Note: This supplementary multiplier applies only to general needs and supported housing self-contained units as described above. It does not apply to shared accommodation, category 1 units, category 2 units or wheelchair units).
(p) EcoHomes Multiplier
From April 2008, major Rehabilitation and Re-improvement schemes must meet the EcoHomes 2006 at a rating level of ‘good’ or better. The EcoHomes multipliers also include the cost of meeting the Building Regulations (NI) 2000, operational from November 2006. From 1 April 2007 New Build Shared schemes must meet EcoHomes 2006, or an approved equivalent, at a rating level of ‘very good’ or better.
(q) ‘Secured by Design’ Multiplier
Used when a new build or rehabilitation scheme will achieve the Secured by Design award.
(r) Future Roofspace Development Multiplier
Used where the dwelling design allows for future roof space development and would provide, to Building Regulation requirements:
- The net addition of at least one bedroom and bed space within the dwelling shell;
- A clear roof space that would provide a satisfactory bedroom and access thereto;
- A gable window or roof window pre-installed in the future bedroom or bedrooms;
- Internal dwelling layout that will easily accommodate a new staircase access to the roof space;
- Roof space floor joists sized for future bedroom use and pre-trimmed for future stair provision; and
- Heating and electrical services installed for easy extension to the roof space.
(s) Part F (Building Regulations)
Used only in non-EcoHomes or non-Code for Sustainable Homes schemes where Part F of the Building Regulations (NI) 2000, operational from November 2006 will apply. This multiplier cannot be used in conjunction with the EcoHomes Multiplier or the Code for Sustainable Homes Multiplier and does not apply to ESPs or Off-the Shelf schemes.
(t) Code for Sustainable Homes
Applies to new build situations where self-contained units have been assessed by a licensed Code assessor and subsequently awarded a Code Level 3 / Level 4 rating. This multiplier replaces the EcoHomes requirement in such circumstances and can be used in conjunction with the Lifetimes Homes and the Secured by Design Supplementary Multipliers. It can also be used for Category 1 Elderly, Category 2 Elderly and self-contained wheelchair units, where applicable.
The multiplier cannot be used in conjunction with EcoHomes or Part F (Building Regulations) Multipliers and does not apply to ESPs.
General Note - where an Association is in any doubt concerning the appropriateness of the application of any supplementary multiplier, it is advised to seek advice from NIHE Development Programme Group (DPG), Standards & Technical Team, 4th Floor, Housing Centre (028) 9031 8400.
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