A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/auyin-property-development">Auyin</a> is the latest to turn to the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program in an effort to secure approval for its long-planned, mixed-use project in Elsternwick.

In 2018, Auyin lodged plans with Glen Eira City Council for a 14-storey building, however Council approved a reduced eight-storey scheme. A subsequent VCAT appeal in 2019 upheld the eight-storey height limit.

The project was later amended to nine storeys, but Auyin is now seeking to revive something closer to its original vision. The developer argues that the planning context has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly within the Elsternwick Activity Centre, where higher-density development has increasingly been encouraged along Glen Huntly Road.

The proposal would transform the 1,239 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-12-horne-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">7-15 Horne Street</a>, opposite Elsternwick Railway Station, into a 13-storey residential and retail development designed by CBG Architects, with 40 apartments

The site currently comprises three commercial properties.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f465dd4-509b-4082-a669-0253b313914b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20podium.png?VersionId=72frWi0SmQ5AVJ3ARRhX5ILUYObhTm7x" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 25 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences above 200 sqm of retail space at ground level. Residents would have access to a 90 sqm wellness facility, a 351 sqm communal indoor and outdoor terrace on the third level, and extensive landscaped areas throughout the development. A publicly accessible 135 sqm plaza would be created on the north-east corner of the site, providing seating, landscaping, and a new gathering space adjoining Horne Street.

The design adopts a four-storey podium that references the finer-grain character of the surrounding streetscape, with the upper tower recessed behind generous setbacks on all boundaries.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e637e763-2abc-4c34-a0aa-5c7ad36fae18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20open.png?VersionId=J1AoOpZgTyaF.KeeFSX6lMjEScX8KKRi" />

A key element of the proposal is the reconfiguration and widening of the surrounding laneways. Vehicle access would be retained from Lois Lane, with upgraded pedestrian connections linking Ross Street and Horne Street. The development would provide 58 residential car spaces, two retail car spaces, and 52 bicycle spaces across two basement levels and ground-floor facilities.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the established character of Elsternwick Village. The façade combines dark charcoal brickwork, textured concrete, bronze-toned metal detailing, and extensive planting integrated into podium and tower levels. The design also incorporates a chamfered corner treatment and publicly accessible plaza intended to strengthen pedestrian activity around the station precinct.

Elsternwick's last new development completion was&nbsp;EVA Elsternwick by Pitard late last year. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working away on its nature-led neighbourhood, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, on Gordon Street, with its first stage expected to complete next year.

First look: Auyin seeks mixed-use apartment project in growing Elsternwick Activity Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/otium-parkdale-123-125-como-parade-east-parkdale-vic-3195">Otium Parkdale</a>, the 13-residence boutique development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huxtable-property">Huxtable Property</a>, has entered its final stages of delivery, with completion expected within the coming month and more than half of the residences sold.

The Como Parade East project is nearing the finish line at a time when opportunities to purchase new apartments in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parkdale-vic-3195">Parkdale</a> remain exceptionally limited. Fewer than 10 per cent of dwellings in the bayside suburb are apartments, making developments like Otium a relatively rare addition to a market traditionally dominated by detached housing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5427]

The three-level development comprises 13 residences, including ten two-bedroom apartments and three larger three-bedroom homes, all positioned above a secure basement car park.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/almeida-architects">Almeida Architects</a> with a strong connection to its coastal surroundings, Otium combines red brick, exposed concrete and dark metal detailing with integrated landscaping and greenery. Expansive glazing, generous balconies and terraces have been incorporated throughout the design to maximise natural light and reinforce indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the residences feature engineered European oak flooring, natural and reconstituted stone benchtops, Bosch kitchen appliances, ducted heating and cooling, lift access and secure entry systems. The larger three-bedroom residences on the upper level have been designed with house-like proportions, while the two-bedroom apartments prioritise functionality, flexibility and low-maintenance living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5421]

The project is now in its final stages, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/labco">Labco</a> completing the remaining landscaping and external finishing works following the completion of the residences' interiors.

Otium's location within the heart of Parkdale continues to underpin its appeal. Residents will be just steps from local cafés, restaurants, shops and the newly elevated Parkdale Station, while the beach is less than a kilometre away.

With the project tracking ahead of schedule, buyers can currently secure a residence with a five per cent deposit and benefit from settlement terms of up to eight months. The advanced stage of construction also provides buyers with the opportunity to walk through the near-complete residences and experience the quality and finishes firsthand ahead of completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134974]

Otium Parkdale enters final month before completion as rare apartment opportunity nears sellout

A new boutique apartment development is entering the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>, with Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ausdev">Ausdev</a> bringing 33 residences to a well-connected pocket of Brisbane's north.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">Parkdrive Apartments</a>, at 25 Sammells Drive, will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences positioned within walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Bradbury Park.

Established in 1989, Ausdev has a long-standing presence across both development and construction, with Parkdrive Apartments representing its latest residential project in Brisbane's northern suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363778]

The development has been designed around open-plan living and natural light, with residences featuring stone benchtops, timber cabinetry, BOSCH appliances, and private balconies that extend the living areas outdoors.

Kitchens are positioned as the centrepiece of the homes, incorporating natural material palettes and integrated appliances, while bathrooms have been designed with a focus on functionality and understated finishes.

Residents will have access to a communal barbecue and entertaining area on Level 3, providing shared outdoor space within the development. Secure parking and lift access are also incorporated into the building.

The project will deliver a limited collection of 33 apartments, with one-bedroom residences priced from $749,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Beyond the building itself, the location places residents within easy reach of several of Chermside's key amenities. Bradbury Park is around 350 metres away, while Westfield Chermside is approximately 1.3 kilometres from the site. The Prince Charles Hospital is located within 750 metres, and the Chermside Bus Interchange is around 1.5 kilometres away, providing connections across Brisbane.

Parkdrive Apartments adds to the growing residential pipeline in Chermside, a suburb that continues to evolve as a major retail, healthcare, and transport hub for Brisbane's north.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152125]

Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370900]

The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150499]

Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

Affordable Housing

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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

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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>
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Alastair Taylor

Definitions around affordable housing in Victoria come into force

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

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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
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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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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

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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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

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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