The ACT Government is inviting proposals from developers, Build-to Rent (BTR) operators and community housing providers to include affordable rental dwellings in a new or existing BTR development.
The government is planning to increase the amount of dwellings in the ACT by around 30,000 to meet the Territory’s growing population, and said the goal is to provide more housing options for more Canberrans.
The affordable rental dwellings would need to be rented at less than market rent under an Agreement for at least 15 years to households who meet the income-based eligibility criteria.
The Request for Proposal process will consider financial assistance and tax concessions for Build-to-Rent developments where at least 15 per cent of dwellings (and a minimum of 10 dwellings) are rented as affordable rental tenancies.
More information on Build-to-Rent and the RFP can be found at www.treasury.act.gov.au/infrastructure-finance-and-reform/build-to-rent
ACTCOSS: 1,743 days average wait for public housing
ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) have welcomed the inclusion and reiterated that due to the ACT’s social housing dwellings shortfall, Canberra requires additional 8,500 social housing dwellings by 2036 to meet demand.
ACTCOSS CEO Dr Emma Campbell said the release of the latest ACT Housing Strategy report card shows the Government has a long way to go for delivery.
“People are waiting 1,743 days on average to access public housing dwellings in the ACT. The need for affordable housing to accommodate Canberra’s growing population is highlighted by a well-documented lack of public and social housing, as well as affordable private rentals,” Dr Campbell said.
“It is important that ACT Government funding supports our Community Housing Providers who are experts in delivering affordable rental dwellings as part of Build-to-Rent developments.
“Community Housing Providers are not only the industry experts on provision and management of affordable housing, but also have existing wait lists of suitable tenants and are also subject to appropriate national regulations.”
Dr Campbell said the inclusion of affordable rentals in the BTR scheme is a “positive start” but still just one element among a broader collection of recommendations governments need to take on to address the housing crisis.
“Increased investment in social and affordable housing is urgently needed to address the current shortfall of 3,100 social housing dwellings, and house the 2000 people experiencing homelessness in the ACT,” Dr Campbell said.
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