The objective of the affordable housing initiative will be to enhance the supply of affordable housing. It will be aimed at those who, in the past, would have expected to purchase a house from their own resources but who find that they are unable to do so in the current housing market. Under the initiative, houses will be made available for sale on a full cost-recovery basis and will not impact on the Exchequer. Therefore, it will not detract from the Government's emphasis on delivering a broad range of initiatives for lower income groups and those with social and special housing needs. The initiative will also complement the continuing efforts to maintain a high level of overall housing supply which brings greater stability to the market and greater opportunities, particularly for first-time buyers.