The New Year will bring significant opportunities for developers to partner with community housing organisations to deliver 4,200 social housing properties over the next four years through the Victorian Government’s $5.3 billion Big Housing Build (BHB).

CEO of the Community Housing Industry Association Victoria (CHIA Vic) Lesley Dredge says the BHB provides an exciting opportunity for developers and community housing organisations to work together to provide much needed homes for renters who are priced out of the private housing market.

“This task is both exciting and huge and can only be achieved if we all pull in the same direction,” Ms Dredge says.

For many developers, this will be their first interaction with the community housing industry and CHIA Vic has developed information and factsheets explaining the sector’s business model and what housing organisations will be seeking in development partners.

“Key things to note are that our sector consists of heavily regulated not-for-profits who are looking to build and manage housing in well-located areas close to transport and jobs. Because we are looking to the long-term, our focus is on quality construction to reduce future maintenance costs and environmentally efficient design to reduce costs for our low-income renters,” Ms Dredge says.

“If social housing is to be part of a larger development, we will be conscious of the impact of amenities on ongoing owners’ corporation fees. Community housing organisations are unable to pay market rates for housing, which is why working in partnership with developers to bring down the cost of the build will be so valuable, providing a win for both parties.”

UDIA Victoria is looking forward to partnering with CHIA Vic in 2021 to bring our members networking and educational opportunities focused on the BHB opportunities, but in the meantime you can learn more at chiavic.com.au/affordable-housing-toolkit/ or sign up for CHIA Vic’s email newsletter.