Mallee Accommodation and Support Program (MASP) calls on the Federal Government and property developers to investigate how the Build-To-Rent (BTR) initiative can provide diverse housing solutions in regional centres.
BTR developments are typically larger scale apartment-style developments in urban settings, owned and maintained by the developer and leased out. It is a popular initiative overseas however is a new concept in Australia.
At the end of 2024 the Federal Government passed legislation outlining at least 10 per cent of dwellings in BTR developments must be ‘affordable dwellings’, while further regulations were finalised at the start of April that included:
- A minimum tenancy of 5 years, with affordable tenancies defined to be available to people on moderate and low incomes.
- At least 20 per cent of the affordable tenancies will be available to low-income earners where rents are capped below 74.9 per cent of the market value or 30 per cent of household income, whichever is lower.
MASP CEO Charmaine Calis said the BTR concept, along with the Government committing to additional affordability standards such as requiring community housing organisations to be involved in managing affordable dwellings, could make a real difference to those struggling to find a home in regional areas.
“Incentives to provide housing solutions fit-for-purpose for regional living, not necessarily those larger scale apartment settings typically seen in metro areas, could go a long way to entice developers to look at affordable solutions in places like the Mallee,” Mrs Calis said.
“This would help alleviate the incredible stress on the system. As of December 2024, for the Mildura District alone the Victorian Housing Register had more than 500 applicants on the Priority Access List, while there were almost 450 more on the Register For Interest. Something must be done.”
Mrs Calis said any measures to increase housing supply in areas such as the Mallee, as well as Far West NSW, would need to also account for the range of situations those seeking affordable housing may be facing.
“As was noted in our submission to the Victorian Legislative Assembly’s Environment and Planning Committee Inquiry into the supply of homes in regional Victoria, there is a need to provide a diverse range of dwellings to meet the needs of those in need of social and affordable housing, acknowledging the different living arrangements these people or families may require” she said.
“We welcome any measures that would help increase housing supply and cater for the most vulnerable in our community.”
