HomeGround Real Estate Canberra is celebrating one year of providing Canberrans with affordable rental properties, with around 100 tenancies currently participating in the scheme. They are encouraging more landlords to consider renting out their property under the affordable scheme and make a real difference in their own community.
Under the scheme, landlords can lease their property through HomeGround at a reduced rate and receive a 100% exemption from their land tax and a tax donation receipt for any foregone rent.
HomeGround’s Business Development Manager, Maria Edwards, says the first year of the scheme has been a great success, with every one of their 46 landlords having “made a difference to the lives of someone less fortunate”.
“Housing affordability is no longer solely a tenants’ problem in the ACT, and through HomeGround we are able to address the situation from both sides and bridge the gap to assist with keeping up the supply of affordable housing in the ACT.”
With a successful first year under their belt, and the introduction of a second strata and property manager, Stuart Dovers, the organisation is going from strength to strength, and is encouraging prospective landlords to sign up to the affordable rental scheme.
“It’s a very individual decision,” Ms Edwards says, “so the solutions that we have are quite tailored to their individual properties and circumstances”.
“We have a range of options, but the reduced rent affordable option should be considered. The quality of the tenants is amazing, and their properties are well managed. We have a track record now so we can give real examples of the success of the scheme.”
She says the scheme has had great feedback from both tenants and landlords, and with uncertainty in the rental market generally due to COVID-19, now is a great time to check out the benefits on offer through HomeGround. By contacting HomeGround and outlining your situation, you’ll receive a comprehensive financial summary, and there’s no cost to sign up an already tenanted property.
“If you would prefer to rent your property at market rate, you can still do so through HomeGround,” Ms Edwards says, “and all management fees are directed back into Community Housing Canberra (CHC), the largest not-for-profit community housing provider in the ACT.”
Andrew Hannan, CEO of CHC under which HomeGround operates, said landlords with more than one property can have HomeGround manage them all.
“They don’t all have to be affordable – they can choose how much of a subsidy they want to provide, if any. Even for those that are rented at market rate, they are still contributing to our mission.”
“Tenants come from a range of backgrounds, most with single-income households and young children, who are particularly vulnerable in the expensive Canberra rental market,” adds Ms Edwards.
“Their gratitude has been overwhelming and all see it as an opportunity to escape the poverty cycle.”
Do you want to make a difference in the Canberra community? Contact Maria Edwards on 0478 626 125 to lease your property through HomeGround Real Estate Canberra.
HomeGround Real Estate Canberra
Unit 224/229 Braybrooke Street, Bruce
T: 1300 208 888
E: [email protected]
W: homegroundrealestatecanberra.com.au
This editorial was created in partnership with HomeGround Real Estate Canberra. For more information on sponsored partnerships, click here.
