Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Palmera Residences fly out the door as sales pass $400 million

National property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has appointed BINAH as its construction partner for Quartet, its new Brisbane apartment development in the undersupplied suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>.

Located just two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and moments from key 2032 Olympic precincts, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet</a> will deliver 131 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments priced from $1 million to $4.2 million, combining elevated design with a wellness-focused lifestyle offering.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Goldfields’ Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan Thompson, said the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">BINAH</a> marked an important milestone for the project.&nbsp;

“Bringing BINAH on board as our construction partner will allow us to bring our vision for Quartet forward with a team that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality residential projects,” Thompson said.&nbsp;

“We’ve taken a considered approach to progressing the site because we wanted to deliver the whole package. Buyers ultimately back great developers, great projects and great builders, and with Quartet, we’ve made sure all three line up.

“People want certainty, they want to know the project will be built, that the homes will be delivered as promised, and that the developer stands behind the quality of what they create. That’s something Goldfields has built its reputation on over many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

BINAH’s Managing Director, Khalil Hafza, said the company was proud to be partnering with Goldfields to deliver Quartet.&nbsp;

“Quartet is an exciting project to bring to life, particularly given the level of detail in the residences and the extensive rooftop amenity planned for the building,” Mr Hafza said.&nbsp;

“Our focus is on delivering a high-quality build that brings that design vision to life and creates homes residents will enjoy for many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

The facilities at Quartet have been feared towards the roof, with a&nbsp;25 metre lap pool, spa, sauna and cold plunge, and a communal barbecue area and alfresco.

Town planning was designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by Melbourne-based architecture firm Cera Stribley.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/cera-stribley">Cera Stribley</a> Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Dom Cerantonio, said the project responds to both its riverside setting and Brisbane’s evolving urban character.&nbsp;

“Quartet has been designed to sit comfortably within its riverside context, offering a refined take on urban living through well-planned, generously proportioned residences that will stand the test of time,” Mr Cerantonio said.&nbsp;

“An emphasis on natural light, natural textures and carefully selected finishes from timber and marble to premium appliances, creates calm, considered interiors designed for comfort and long-term liveability.”&nbsp;

Construction of Quartet will commence in July 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Construction to commence on 131-residence tower designed around wellness-focused living

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

The first partnership between national developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> and Adelaide-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> has made a strong start, with the pair securing $21 million in unconditional sales at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-four-four-hutt-adelaide-144-hutt-street-adelaide-sa-5000">One Four Four Hutt</a>&nbsp;on the edge of the Adelaide CBD.

Over a third of apartments have been snapped up in the boutique 44-apartment project on the corner of Hutt Stret and Wakefield Road. Local downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in Adelaide's tightly-held southeast quarter have been the most prominent purchasers.

The DKO-designed, mixed-use development is one of the few new apartment projects in the precinct, an area where new housing supply has remained limited despite continued demand from buyers wanting to stay close to the CBD, Victoria Park and Adelaide's established east-end amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375378]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

"The level of early commitment reflects the confidence local buyers have in the Hutt Street precinct," Dendrinos said.

"Many purchasers are long-term east-end residents who love the area and want to stay connected to the neighbourhood. They recognise the value of a well-designed, well-located development.

"Our partnership with Otello has been central to this success, and the number of unconditional sales at this stage only strengthens our confidence in the South Australian market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375379]

Otello Director Daniel Harris said the sales result also highlighted the lack of new apartment opportunities within the Hutt Street precinct.

"One Four Four Hutt has clearly resonated with buyers, with strong early sales reflecting both the appeal of the Hutt Street corridor and the lifestyle on offer," Harris said.

"The activated ground-floor retail has also been a key drawcard, with purchasers responding to the vision of a more vibrant and connected streetscape, not just the residences themselves."

One Four Four Hutt will deliver 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of penthouses, above a ground-floor retail offering designed to further activate the Hutt Street precinct.

Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year, with completion anticipated in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151233]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

Fortis makes Adelaide debut with Otello as One Four Four Hutt records strong early sales

Affordable Housing

<html><body>
The report for the South Sydney Regional Organisation of councils on the Affordable Rental Housing SEPP is missing opportunities to improve the policy.
The City Futures report on the Affordable Rental Housing State Environmental Planning Policy (ARHSEPP) for the South Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils recommends that this policy document be replaced but all it needs is modifications to make it more useful.
The report says the infill affordable housing section has had little impact in South Sydney but this is because the incentives are too low.
Currently the ARHSEPP requires at least 20 percent of a project to be affordable rental housing but only gives a bonus uplift of around 8 percent.
Clearly the economics are not working to encourage developers to use this formula.
Rather than replacing the whole policy all that is required is to match the 20 percent affordable housing component with a 20 percent uplift in floor space.
This will make the provision of affordable rental housing much more viable for the 10 year rental period the policy requires.
The report also criticises the Boarding Houses component of the ARHSEPP yet it does indicate that these have rentals that are 20-40 percent cheaper than equivalent apartments in areas away from universities.
The City Futures report raises concerns that the boarding houses do not conform to the strict rules required for apartments through the Apartment Design Guide (ADG).
The boarding house model is a different model with shared communal spaces that provide a different approach to amenity.
Recent changes made to car parking requirements also makes boarding house developments unfeasible in many inner areas of Sydney, where there is a critical under supply of affordable accommodation.
The Urban Taskforce believes the intent of the Affordable Rental Housing SEPP is good but that the details are stopping successful implementation of the policy.
Discussion with the industry that produces housing would lead to improvements to the ARHSEPP that would help provide significant numbers of new affordable homes across Sydney.
It would have been useful if the City Futures report had made positive suggestions about where changes could be made to achieve the intended outcomes.
CHRIS JOHNSON is the Urban Taskforce CEO.
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cjohnson-8xfqfuuCSq

Incentives too low to create affordable housing: Urban Taskforce

<html><body>
On the 1st of June, the amendments to Victoria's Planning &amp; Environment Act 1987 came into force which, among other things, provide a definition of affordable housing in the state.

In essence, the new legislative amendments that are now in force provide a definition for what very low, low and moderate income households are and the act now states that affordable housing is housing for households who fit within the income brackets now outlined.

The definition of affordable housing, as described in law, for Victoria is:

<blockquote>
...affordable housing is housing, including social housing, that is appropriate for the housing needs of any of the following-- (a) very low income households; (b) low income households; (c) moderate income households.
<a href="http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/bill/pablaaaomb2017755/"><cite>Housing Affordability and Other Matters Bill 2017</cite></a>
</blockquote>

Very low income, low income and moderate income households are defined by income ranges that apply to people living in Melbourne or outside of Melbourne.  On the advice of the Planning Minister, the Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria sets &amp; amends the income ranges.

For Melbourne, the household income brackets for very low, low and moderate income households are:

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th scope="col"> </th>
			<th scope="col">Very low income range (annual)</th>
			<th scope="col">Low income range (annual)</th>
			<th scope="col">Moderate income range (annual)</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Single adult</td>
			<td>Up to $25,220</td>
			<td>$22,221 - $40,340</td>
			<td>$40,341 - $60,510</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Couple, no dependents</td>
			<td>Up to $37,820</td>
			<td>$37,821 - $60,520</td>
			<td>$60,521 - $90,770</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Family (one or two parents and dependent children)</td>
			<td>Up to $52,940</td>
			<td>$52,941 - $84,720</td>
			<td>$84,721 - $127,080</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
For the rest of Victoria, the income brackets are as follows:

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%;">
<thead><tr>
<th scope="col"> </th>
			<th scope="col">Very low income range (annual)</th>
			<th scope="col">Low income range (annual)</th>
			<th scope="col">Moderate income range (annual)</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Single Adult</td>
			<td>Up to $18,380</td>
			<td>$18,381 - $29,400</td>
			<td>$29,401 - $44,100</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Couple, no dependents</td>
			<td>Up to $27,560</td>
			<td>$27,561 - $44,100</td>
			<td>$44,101 - $66,160</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Family (one or two parents and dependent children)</td>
			<td>Up to $38,590</td>
			<td>$38,591 - $61,750</td>
			<td>$61,751 - $92,610</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
With these definitions now described in law, it allows developers, councils and the state government to negotiate affordable housing outcomes with a specific set of unambiguous definitions. 

As <a href="http://www.ratio.com.au/affordable-housing-update">Ratio Consultants</a> note the amendments to the act do not specify what the cost of housing should be for the people who fit within the income bands, noting "it is generally accepted that, to avoid housing stress, housing costs should not exceed 30% of household income."

Likewise, the legislative changes included no targets for affordable housing throughout all or some of the new development pipeline for Victoria but as Ratio further note, the affordable housing can be a strong negotiation tool.

<blockquote>
Councils are increasingly seeking to strongly encourage or even require affordable housing in new developments (City of Melbourne’s West Melbourne Structure Plan and Fishermans Bend discretionary requirements, and Glen Eira’s Carnegie, Elsternwick and Bentleigh Structure Plans).  

The voluntary provision of affordable housing can be a strong negotiation tool with recent agreements including in the Queen Victoria Market Munro Precinct where PDG are providing 15% affordable housing (being 56 apartments out of the total 360).
<a href="http://www.ratio.com.au/affordable-housing-update"><cite>Ratio Consultants</cite></a>
</blockquote>

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has also published guidance for those seeking to negotiate affordable housing agreements within the context of the new definitions, see <a href="https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/affordable-housing">planning.vic.gov.au</a> for more information.

Lead image credit: <a href="https://www.vic.gov.au/affordablehousing/">vic.gov.au</a>
</body></html>

Alastair Taylor

Definitions around affordable housing in Victoria come into force

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVATION
The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) report on affordable housing policies should support incentive approaches but must not increase apartment costs.
The AHURI report by a number of Australian academics is a useful exploration of trends and policies across the world but the Sydney market is different.
Many countries use taxation deductions and other incentives to achieve a supply of affordable homes.
Even the South Australian system referred to in the report is different to anything proposed in Sydney as it defines 15% of homes for sale at a reduced price.
This is much more feasible than giving 15% of all your homes to the local council.
Houses and apartments in Sydney are amongst the most expensive in the world when related to household income.
Much of this high price is driven by restrictions on zoning new land for residential homes according to the Reserve Bank report on ‘the Effect of Zoning on Housing Prices’.
The zoning effect increased Sydney per house price by a whopping $489,000 and in Melbourne by $324,000.
On top of all this there is a range of levies and taxes added to the cost of a dwelling by the NSW Government and the local council.
To add even more cost to new dwellings as proposed by AHURI will only drive overall housing costs upwards.
The AHURI preferred approach is to have inclusionary zoning only applied to apartments yet apartments have already become the affordable way to live for many Sydney households.
The average apartment in Sydney is around 40% cheaper than the average house so this dwelling type has become the affordable way to live for many households.
AHURI however proposes an inclusionary zoning system that can only lead to forcing apartment costs up.
We should be getting other building types like detached houses, commercial and retail developments to contribute to affordable housing rather than add an extra cost to the most affordable dwellings in the city.
The Urban Taskforce has developed an approach to providing up to 40,000 affordable homes across Sydney over a ten year period.
We propose using the Affordable Rental Housing SEPP that gives an uplift in floor space if 20% of the apartments are affordable rentals for 10 years.
The incentive needs to also be 20% and this will encourage most developers to provide a percentage of apartments that are lower in rent than the market.
Stronger leadership by government on affordable housing policies is needed in NSW.
Currently the Department of Planning and Environment controls some policies, the Greater Sydney Commission proposes targets only on uplift and if feasible yet many councils are pushing for inclusionary zoning percentages that would make new housing projects unviable.
The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with all agencies to get a Sydney approach to housing affordability that is sustainable in the long term.
CHRIS JOHNSON is the Urban Taskforce CEO.
</body></html>

AHURI’s affordable housing proposals will only push unit prices up: Chris Johnson

<html><body>
Urban Taskforce Australia has reacted swiftly to the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute's (AHURI) latest report on increasing affordable housing supply.

AHURI's report examines how planning mechanisms support affordable housing supply in both Australia and overseas locations. Headline points covered in the report which was released yesterday include:

<ul>
<li>'Inclusionary planning' tools leverage significant quantities of affordable housing supply in many parts of the UK and US.</li>
	<li>12,866 affordable housing units (43% of total affordable housing output) were delivered through inclusionary planning requirements in England between 2015–16. About 12 per cent of annual housing completions in San Francisco are affordable dwellings produced through inclusionary zoning or impact fee requirements. Similar schemes apply to more than 500 cities across the United States.</li>
	<li>In comparison to this international practice, inclusionary planning for affordable housing is not as widespread in Australia. However, South Australia delivered 5,485 affordable homes between 2005–15 through an inclusionary planning target applying to new residential areas. This amounts to around 17 per cent of total housing supply in that state.</li>
	<li>In NSW, a planning incentive scheme introduced in 2009 has yielded around 2,000 affordable rental dwellings in Sydney, equivalent to about 1 per cent of the city’s total supply.</li>
	<li>Across all jurisdictions examined, planning system tools can support affordable housing supply, but additional funding or subsidy is usually required to produce homes affordable to those on low and very low-incomes.</li>
	<li>Planning system tools for affordable housing supply work best when part of a wider whole-of-government strategy to address the continuum of housing needs.</li>
</ul>
As a result, AHURI has leaned toward the expansion of inclusionary planning approaches across Australia where "affordable housing inclusion can be mandated when land is rezoned for residential development, when planning rules are varied for particular projects, or following significant infrastructure investment."

AHURI's suggested measure is intended to make affordable housing (especially apartments) more attainable for buyers across Australia, and particularly so in Sydney which is home to the nation's most expensive real estate.

For its part, Urban Taskforce Australia fired back promptly yesterday arguing that any move to advance inclusionary zoning measures would in fact drive prices up. Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson released in-depth commentary on AHURI's paper.

With a particular focus on Sydney, excerpts from Chris Johnson's statement read as follows:

<blockquote>
The AHURI report by a number of Australian academics is a useful exploration of trends and policies across the world but the Sydney market is different. 

Houses and apartments in Sydney are amongst the most expensive in the world when related to household income. Much of this high price is driven by restrictions on zoning new land for residential homes according to the Reserve Bank report on ‘the Effect of Zoning on Housing Prices’.

The zoning effect increased Sydney per house price by a whopping $489,000 and in Melbourne by $324,000. On top of all this there is a range of levies and taxes added to the cost of a dwelling by the NSW Government and the local council.

To add even more cost to new dwellings as proposed by AHURI will only drive overall housing costs upwards.

The AHURI preferred approach is to have inclusionary zoning only applied to apartments yet apartments have already become the affordable way to live for many Sydney households. The average apartment in Sydney is around 40% cheaper than the average house so this dwelling type has become the affordable way to live for many households.

AHURI however proposes an inclusionary zoning system that can only lead to forcing apartment costs up. We should be getting other building types like detached houses, commercial and retail developments to contribute to affordable housing rather than add an extra cost to the most affordable dwellings in the city.

The Urban Taskforce has developed an approach to providing up to 40,000 affordable homes across Sydney over a ten year period. We propose using the Affordable Rental Housing SEPP that gives an uplift in floor space if 20% of the apartments are affordable rentals for 10 years.  
 
</blockquote>

Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute's r<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/297">eport on supporting affordable housing supply</a> can be seen in full here.

Lead image: City West Housing
</body></html>

silvermb

Affordable housing to come at the cost of ... affordable housing?

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The Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz and the local member for Williamstown Wade Noonan opened a new development designed specifically for women and children escaping family violence.

The development saw an existing set of seven units replaced with 9 x 1 bedroom units and 11 x 2 bedroom units; the building will be managed by <a href="http://womenshousing.com.au">Women's Housing Limited</a>, a specialist community provider which focuses on housing for women over 55 and victims of family violence.

Finance for the development was provided as a grant through the Victorian Property Fund which in turn is funded through licensing fees and fines paid by estate agents and conveyancers.

Rents in the units capped at 30 percent of a household's income and according to WHL's website other eligibility criteria include tenants must not own or part-own property elsewhere, must have less than $30,000 in assets and have Australian citizenship or permanent residency status.

The Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz said "Women and children escaping family violence often face the immediate challenge of finding a new home.  That's why we have stepped in to fund these units that are safe, secure and that will help rebuild lives."

<blockquote>
The Labor Government provided a $5.6 million grant from the Victorian Property Fund (VPF) to Women’s Housing Limited to build the units.

Tenants for the new development will come from the public housing waiting list. To make them affordable, rent will be set at a maximum of 75 per cent of market price, or 30 per cent of a household’s income.

The units are located close to health and community services, public transport, shops and schools, and have been designed to meet at least a 6-star energy efficiency rating. This includes features to reduce energy and water consumption, helping to keep utility bills low.
</blockquote>

Other projects that have received grants from the <a href="https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/clubs-and-fundraising/funded-services-and-grants/victorian-property-fund-grants">Victorian Property Fund</a> include the City Gate conversion project which will see 32 studio, 5 x 1 bedroom, 11 x 2 bedroom and 2 x 3 bedroom units added to the community housing stock in St Kilda.

Likewise, Housing Choices Australia received a $4.9million grant from the VPF to finance conversions and new developments in Dandenong and Williamstown.
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Newport housing for victims of family violence opens

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Doing something about improving housing affordability, particularly for people on low and moderate incomes, is difficult for Australian politicians. The core of the problem is simple: until those trying to buy a home outnumber those who own one, governments will not adopt policies to bring down house prices. As John Howard once observed, no-one came up to him complaining their house price had increased.
Given the public anxiety about the issue, particularly among young people, governments are showing renewed interests in doing something about housing affordability. So what sort of government interventions are effective? <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/289">A new report</a> from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI), released today, explores these issues state by state. And some are clearly doing better than others.
<h2>What have governments been doing?</h2>
In the last six months governments at all levels have released housing affordability plans. The Victorian government released a <a href="https://www.vic.gov.au/affordablehousing/about">broad proposal</a> with interventions <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-a-difference-a-month-makes-but-victoria-can-still-do-more-to-get-housing-and-planning-right-74233" target="_blank">across the housing continuum</a> (see figure 1).
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/188495/original/file-20171003-3124-hqtdt8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">Figure 1: A housing continuum. Author provided
The state with the largest housing affordability problem, New South Wales, released a package of measures <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw/projects-and-initiatives/first-home-buyers/" target="_blank">in June this year</a>. The cornerstone of the plan is a reduction in stamp duty charges for first home buyers and increasing availability of some grants for the same group.
Most economists agree that these measures are likely to put <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/prices-will-rise-for-victorian-firsthome-buyers-following-stamp-duty-cut-experts-say-20170630-gx048c/" target="_blank">upward pressure on prices</a> as first home buyers compete in the property market with more dollars. However, politicians seem to like these sort of measures because they are <a href="https://politicsir.cass.anu.edu.au/content/attitudes-housing-affordability" target="_blank">popular with voters</a>.
The NSW plan also focused on increasing housing supply through changes to the planning system and accelerated provision of infrastructure. The headline goal used to measure the results of the package is an increase in the number of <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw/premiers-priorities/" target="_blank">dwelling completions to 61,000 per year</a>.
What’s unusual about this target is that there is no indication of the intended price levels of completed dwellings. Left to the market, the supply will not reach those most in need.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/281" target="_blank">A recent AHURI study</a> found focusing only on supply as a strategy to reduce housing prices was a blunt instrument. The study reported:
<blockquote>
Most of the growth in housing supply has been taking place in mid-to-high price segments, rather than low price segments. There seems to be structural impediments to the trickle-down of new housing supply.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/281" target="_blank">The same study</a> concluded:
<blockquote>
Targeted government intervention might be needed in order to ensure an adequate supply of affordable housing.
</blockquote>
<h2>How do the states compare?</h2>
Drawing on the new research, Table 1 compares established state and territory schemes designed to deliver affordable housing.
It’s clear some states and territories, by adopting a multi-pronged approach, have been more active and innovative than others.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/188496/original/file-20171003-14213-1hz3j42.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/188496/original/file-20171003-14213-1hz3j42.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a> Table 1: Established state-level affordable housing programs (excluding the planning system). <a class="source" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/289" target="_blank">https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/289</a>, Author provided
The research focused on a review of state-level affordable housing delivery. To identify what sort of conditions maximised the chances of success, this included an evaluation of two effective strategies – one in the <a href="https://www.planning.act.gov.au/topics/affordable_housing/affordable_housing_action_plan">Australian Capital Territory</a> and the other in <a href="https://www.openingdoorswa.com.au/">Western Australia</a>.
Both strategies delivered thousands of dwellings for households in need of affordable housing across the continuum. Both have clear targets.
<h2>What are the secrets of success?</h2>
Strong and sustained leadership is critical to both the implementation and ongoing delivery of an affordable housing strategy. Leadership is required both within the organisation responsible for the strategy, ideally a single entity, but also at a political level, ensuring a whole-of-government approach.
Both the ACT and WA strategies had the support of the treasurer during development. This ensured implementation was not hamstrung by a lack of resources.
A strategy needs to be resilient; it should not be easy to roll back following a change of government. It also needs to be developed in close consultation with the private sector and relevant areas of government to ensure all stakeholders are on board.
The organisation implementing the strategy needs to be flexible and innovative. This includes taking advantage of poor housing market conditions to develop joint ventures with the private sector.
When unexpected funding sources arise, state government needs to take advantage by using funding to leverage additional outcomes.
These established strategies offer several lessons for a state government seeking to implement an affordable housing strategy.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/189124/original/file-20171006-25775-1mz5y3s.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">The WA government has worked with private sector joint ventures to expand the stock of affordable housing. Richard Wainwright/AAP
<h2>Land release is a key factor</h2>
Governments have focused on a broad goal of <a href="https://theconversation.com/solutions-beyond-supply-to-the-housing-affordability-problem-67536" target="_blank">increasing supply</a> as an affordable housing solution, (<a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw/projects-and-initiatives/first-home-buyers/" target="_blank">such as the NSW strategy</a>).
In most cases this is a blunt tool because the government cannot directly influence the amount of land or housing stock made available (which are private sector decisions) or the price at which it is released onto the market.
States with an effective government land agency have an advantage. Land release then becomes an important part of an affordable housing strategy.
The ACT has been able to increase land supply and also to target the supply at a particular price point. WA has used its land effectively within private sector joint ventures to secure affordable housing.
Being able to guarantee increased land supply (and not just planning approvals for land development) as well as the price points of that land is a very powerful tool for a government trying to deliver affordable housing.
<h2>An effective affordable housing strategy</h2>
An effective affordable housing strategy is essential to deliver a range of supply options. At present, blockages along the housing continuum prevent households exiting social housing, which would free up supply for households in greater need.
WA in particular has demonstrated a successful strategy. Having reached its target of 20,000 dwellings <a href="https://www.housing.wa.gov.au/News/Pages/20000-affordable-homes-target-met.aspx" target="_blank">five years early</a>, the government committed to a further 10,000 homes <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-14/more-affordable-housing-to-be-built-in-wa-after-target-met/6618328">by 2020</a>.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/84508/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Other states in the early stages of strategy implementation could learn much from the multi-pronged approach in the West.
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/steven-rowley-201914" target="_blank">Steven Rowley</a>, Director, Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, Curtin Research Centre, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873" target="_blank">Curtin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-phibbs-27130" target="_blank">Peter Phibbs</a>, Chair of Urban Planning and Policy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841" target="_blank">University of Sydney</a>
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/some-states-do-better-than-others-on-affordable-housing-we-can-learn-from-the-successes-84508" target="_blank">original article</a>.
<h1>
The Living Space development in Cockburn, Western Australia, has won praise as an innovative mixed-use social housing project. <a class="source" href="https://www.hhawa.com.au/featured-projects/cockburn-central/" target="_blank">Courtesy of HHA Projects</a> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/steven-rowley-201914" target="_blank">Steven Rowley</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873" target="_blank">Curtin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-phibbs-27130">Peter Phibbs</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841" target="_blank">University of Sydney</a>
</h1>
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Some states do better than others on affordable housing – we can learn from the successes

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The budget announcements to deal with the housing affordability crisis are positive but a national housing plan and minister should be in place to tackle the problem, according to a senior industry executive. 
Compass Housing’s manager of research David Adamson said the budget contained a range of positive measures for first home buyers to private rental to affordable housing and homelessness but still lacked “a cohesive plan with measurable outcomes”.  
Hunter and Central Coast-based Compass Housing is a community housing provider.
“In particular, we are pleased to see confirmation of a new bond aggregator to make it easier for community housing providers to obtain finance to deliver additional housing,” Adamson said.
“We are pleased to see reformed National Housing and Homelessness Agreements which will require state governments to hit targets for additional social and affordable housing and will encourage them to transfer additional stock to the not-for-profit sector,” he said. 
But he said Compass was disappointed there is still no integrated plan to solve Australia’s housing crisis.
“The budget contained some worthwhile initiatives but it remains to be seen if these measures will be enough to address the current housing shortfall.”
“Housing, including social and affordable housing, needs to be viewed as part of Australia’s social and economic infrastructure and integrated with other infrastructure planning.” 
Compass had stated the case for a national plan and minister in pre-budget talks. 
Determining funding for the right housing measures would be much easier if the government had a national housing plan and a minister for housing to ensure targets are met, its managing director Greg Budworth had said ahead of the budget.
Budworth, who is also co-chair of the United Nations Habitat programme’s civil society partner constituent group, said budgets should be developed to meet strategic and operational plans. 
He said it “makes no sense that Australia does not have a national plan nor a minister responsible for something as fundamental as housing”.
Budworth said he agreed with Treasurer Scott Morrison that there is no silver bullet to the housing crisis but says with rising social housing waiting lists, high capital city house prices and an increasing number of working people experiencing housing stress, action is long overdue. 
The government announced a new National Housing and Homelessness agreement with the states and territories to ensure a supply of housing for those most in need. The agreement includes $375 million of government funding for housing for the homeless and those needing crisis accommodation. 
In another step, starting next year, private investors would be offered incentives to invest in affordable housing, with a 60% discount on capital gains if they provide their property at below-market rent and to tenants on low-to-moderate incomes managed by a registered community housing provider. 
“An effective plan will only be realised if the Commonwealth government recognises that housing is a fundamental human right and the responsibility of the national government and a national minister, not just the states and territories,” Budworth said.
He suggested that the government’s national co-ordination and responsibility must include direct investment in social and affordable housing.
“There are less public housing dwellings now than last decade despite around 200,000 people on public and social housing waiting lists and a general acceptance that Australia has a shortfall of between 200,000 and 400,000 dwellings.”
Budworth said Australia was in a similar situation in 1945s when the national government took action in conjunction with the states.
“Back then there was a need for austerity but there was also acknowledgement that workers needed housing and that constructing housing would stimulate the economy and get people working.”
“With the current downturn in manufacturing and mining we have many workers for whom constructing housing is a realistic use of their skills; another example of housing’s integration with social infrastructure.” 
“This way, more social and affordable housing becomes possible on the back of economic infrastructure investment and job creation rather than as welfare subsidy.”
“If we had another “Affordable Housing Commission” type policy response the housing built could eventually sold by government, as it was previously.
Budworth said one example of possible integration of housing and other infrastructure planning was high speed rail links. He said such infrastructure is already being proposed and would create new commuter towns between those capital cities, taking pressure of capital city housing demand and boosting regional Australia’s economy.
“A rising tide can lift all ships and makes the provision of affordable housing and housing subsidies more sustainable.” 
He said a number of housing and community organisations, economists, academics and other experts have done considerable work to help the government to create a national plan.
“Where are Australia’s long term plans for infrastructure and housing? It is time for such plans rather than one off political cycle centric planning and initiatives. You can budget for a plan.”
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Budget positive on housing affordability, but Australia still needs a plan and minister: Compass Housing

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Treasurer Scott Morrison’s ‘scalpel’-like approach to address housing affordability involves incentivising private investors to with tax discounts if they offer their property at below-market rents.
As part of the Budget announcement, the government will introduce a new National Housing and Homelessness agreement with the states and territories to ensure a supply of housing for those most in need. The agreement includes $375 million of government funding for housing for the homeless and those needing crisis accommodation. 
Beginning next year, private investors would be offered incentives to invest in affordable housing, with a 60% discount on capital gains if they provide their property at below-market rent and to tenants on low-to-moderate incomes managed by a registered community housing provider. 
The government will also establish a trust to get investors – both foreign and domestic – interested in investing in affordable housing.
“It’s a comprehensive plan, it’s not a silver bullet – nor is it intended to be,” Morrison was cited by saying in his budget lockup press conference by crikey.com.au.
Managed Investment Trusts (MITs) will be allowed to invest in affordable housing and investors who buy into these trusts will see an increase in the capital gains tax discount they receive of 60 percent up from 50 percent.
The discount, which will cost the government about $15 million over two years, helps to compensate for the lower yield on investing in social housing, according to The Australian Financial Review.
As another move to encourage investors, the government will strengthen the rent guarantee in these homes by allowing direct deductions of welfare payments from tenants. But investors must keep the property rental affordable for at least 10 years to get the discounts.
The establishment of a National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) will provide $63.1 million over four years to operate a so-called “bond aggregator” that aims to provide cheaper financing for community housing providers. This is a good idea that should have a positive effect, and help address the high cost of funds that often plagues financing of housing for low-income earners, said economics professor Richard Holden. 
However, the federal government's budget met with its dose of scepticism from industry players.
Sara Watts, interim CEO of City West Housing, said the budget didn't go far enough on rental affordability.
“Last night’s budget doesn’t go far enough to address affordable rental housing shortfalls in our major cities, particularly for those who may never be able to afford their own home. Nor did the government add any clarity to the discussion about the difference between affordable housing and housing affordability. As a consequence, many key workers are no closer to being able to live near their place of work," said Watts.
However, she did welcome the introduction of a National Housing Infrastructure Facility that seeks to providing long-term, low cost financing for affordable rental housing.
"This will help affordable housing developers fund the construction of high-quality affordable rental housing stock."
 “For more than 20 years, City West Housing has designed, built and tenanted award-winning affordable housing for key workers in the City of Sydney area. Today, City West Housing owns and manages over 700 properties, has delivered 104 new properties into the market in 2016 and will have another 310 properties available to key workers by the end of 2019,” added Watts.
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Budget 2017 promises capital gains tax discount for affordable community housing investors

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Australia’s top property developers represented by the industry association Urban Taskforce Australia have come together with a proposal to the NSW Government to deliver a new form of affordable housing.
It has been suggested it could produce 40,000 new affordable homes in Sydney over the next 10 years.
“Sydney’s housing affordability crisis is clearly getting worse as indicated by calls for action by Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison and by State Planning Minister Rob Stokes’s recent statement about a shortage of 100,000 homes in Sydney,” says Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson.
“There is a simple answer to providing more homes and to housing affordability in Sydney by modifying slightly the NSW Affordable Rental Housing State Environmental Planning Policy.”
“The NSW government can modify the current Affordable Rental Housing SEPP to create a real incentive to the property industry to provide large numbers of affordable homes across Sydney.
"The current Affordable Rental Housing SEPP 2009 gives little incentive to the property industry to build affordable homes but by changing the formula to give a 20% bonus floor space and height, thousands of new affordable homes could be built each year.
"The effect of the 20% bonus would be that a 5 storey apartment building would become 6 storeys or a 10 storey block would become 12 storeys.”
“The Urban Taskforce estimates that up to 4,000 new affordable homes could be produced each year leading to 40,000 over a ten year period. This would have a massive impact on the current supply of affordable homes across Sydney at a scale we have never seen before.”
“The Urban Taskforce proposal uses the definition of affordable housing from the Federal Government’s National Rental Assistance Scheme (NRAS) where newly built 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom homes are rented at a 20 percent discount to the market rent of each local government area with dwellings remaining in the affordable housing scheme for up to 10 years. At the end of the 10 years the homes are sold back to the general market. This proposal ensures that affordable housing stock is constantly renewed and does not become run down. The developer also has the opportunity to recoup the costs of providing the housing at the end of the ten year period which ensures there is sufficient incentive to encourage developers to provide this form of housing.”
“Some Sydney councils champion inclusionary zoning where the developer must provide a percentage of homes as affordable but this is only another form of taxation on housing production, and will only increase the cost of the remaining houses being sold to mums and dads and first home buyers. We believe that rather than imposing a tax on the developer an incentive approach with bonus floor space is more equitable and more likely to lead to large numbers of affordable homes being built.”
“The scale of housing delivery of up to 4,000 a year along with the guaranteed 10 years rental income is likely to establish a new asset class for institutional investors like superannuation funds who like a low risk long term investment. This type of affordable housing product could potentially inject billions of dollars into affordable housing which currently is not being invested in the sector ensuring there is scale and enough housing for low to moderate income earning households. Attracting this institutional investment will ensure a long-term sustainable supply of affordable housing.”
“In places like the US, Canada and the UK institutional capital has been investing in affordable housing for more than 40 years but for a number of reasons Australia has missed out on this type of institutional investment in housing and as a result has made Sydney home prices one the most expensive in the world”.
“We call on the NSW Government to seriously consider our affordable housing proposal urgently. Our proposal doesn’t put any pressure on the government’s budget nor is it asking for any tax payers handout. It is a simple incentive based system which provides affordability across all of Sydney and across all dwelling sizes. All it needs is for the Planning Minister Rob Stokes to make an amendment to the existing Affordable Rental Housing SEPP,” says Chris Johnson.
“Sydney currently has a housing supply problem despite reaching 30,000 housing completions last financial year this is 6,000 less than the average needed each year for the next 20 years. To increase supply by 4,000 affordable homes a year will certainly help manage population growth.”
The Urban Taskforce established a special affordable housing sub-committee to develop the proposal.
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Bonus floor space sought by Sydney property developers to increase affordable home supply 

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A new exhibition at the University of Sydney opening this week will look at housing projects from around the world, which could provide solutions to reducing the cost of housing.
Designing Affordability: Quicker, Smarter, More Efficient Housing Now presents more than 20 case studies of houses and apartments internationally, alongside exemplary housing projects in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
The exhibition showing at <a href="https://sydney.edu.au/architecture/about/tinsheds/gallery/" target="_blank">Tin Sheds Gallery</a> in the University’s <a href="https://sydney.edu.au/architecture/" target="_blank">Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning</a> is curated by New York-based Marc Norman, an urban planner who has been a strong advocate for affordable housing for more than 20 years.
“It has been interesting to learn that Sydneysiders are experiencing many of the same issues as New Yorkers where, simply put, development costs are exceeding what most people’s budgets can afford,” said Marc Norman.
“A goal of the exhibition is to look at innovative designs for affordable housing, but also look at the broader issue of housing affordability for housing types and populations.
“The best solutions are those projects where design, finance and housing policy are working in unison and creating replicable models for tackling the housing crisis,” he added.
Through case studies, the exhibition shows how architects, engineers, planners, policy makers, tenants and homeowners are crafting new ways to reduce project costs by rethinking how to build and maintain houses, in addition to rethinking the way people live.
From reimagining public housing models, leveraging land and building incrementally, to reconsidering the home and deploying technology, the exhibition looks at different approaches to reducing housing costs.
<a href="https://sydney.edu.au/architecture/about/people/profiles/m.aitchison.php" target="_blank">Associate Professor Mathew Aitchison</a>, Director of the Innovation in Applied Design Lab at the University of Sydney said: “The most striking aspect of the projects in the exhibition is the breaking of conventional boundaries of architecture, planning, property development, finance and construction. It shows a brave, optimistic, inclusive and wide-ranging attitude to innovate, experiment and improve housing solutions.”
The case studies feature varied solutions for a range of housing types from large, publicly-owned housing projects typical during the 1920s through to the 1970s, to privately-owned multifamily buildings, micro units and row homes.
While the make-up of families is now varied, housing choices have been slow to reflect new trends in the way families now live.  Innovative models that integrate sharing, communal facilities and economic development opportunities to create cost savings and build wealth for individuals and communities, are illustrated.
Universally, the competition for land has intensified and acquiring land can be a significant cost in housing construction. Yet the case studies show how major portions of government land are under used, valued and developed, and presents examples where affordability has been developed or preserved in the heart of cities.
New breakthroughs in technology are highlighted that produce hyper-efficient, ‘smart’ apartments that can make city living more affordable, productive and adaptable to lifestyles. By reconfiguring spaces that are multi-purpose and energy efficient, housing and other public costs can be significantly reduced in the longer term.
A <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://sydney.edu.au/news/architecture/295?eventid=11459" target="_blank">one-day symposium</a> on affordable housing will be held in the University’s Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning on Saturday, 8 October. Guest speakers include Marc Norman, along with architects, local policy makers and architecture and planning experts from the University of Sydney and other universities in Sydney. They will examine building innovations, living situations and progressive partnerships unique to Australia that could address housing costs and the affordability issue.
Event details:
What: <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://sydney.edu.au/news/architecture/295?eventid=11432" target="_blank">Designing Affordability: Quicker, Smarter, More Efficient Housing Now</a>
When: 6 October - 18 November 2016
Where: Tin Sheds Gallery, Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning, 148 City Road, University of Sydney
Hours: Tue-Fri, 11am-5pm
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