One of Western Australia’s biggest social and affordable housing works programs is today being released to the market, seeking builders to deliver a pipeline of more than 1,000 new homes.
The program includes 14 build-to-rent developments, which will deliver 1,145 new homes, comprising approximately 80% affordable and 20% social housing.
The developments range from three storeys to nine storeys, with around half being located adjacent to new METRONET train stations including Ellenbrook, Cannington, Midland, Redcliffe and Ballajura. Developments will also be delivered in Wellard, Woodbridge, White Gum Valley, Rivervale, Butler, Subiaco, Bassendean, Kelmscott and Perth City Link.
“These works are part of the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to increasing housing affordability for Western Australians,” said WA Premier, Roger Cook.
“Not only will it deliver a pipeline of more than 1,000 social and affordable homes across Perth, it will also deliver long-term jobs and boost rental supply.”
The tender is part of a landmark agreement between the WA and Commonwealth Governments.
The agreement, through the Federal Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) and the National Housing Accord Facility (NHAF), will see the State Government provide upfront capital investment of $443 million to deliver the new homes.
These homes will then be sold to Community Housing Providers, who will be able to access concessional loans from the HAFF and NHAF and may also be able to apply for senior debt through the Housing Australia Affordable Housing Bond Aggregator, as well as ongoing subsidies to support their repayments over a 25-year period.
The buildings will be delivered to a minimum of ‘Silver Livable’ under the national Livable Housing Design guidelines and a 7-star NatHERS energy and thermal efficiency rating.
A further seven projects being delivered by the Department of Communities have also been approved under the agreement.
The 14 developments will be split across two packages, with the tender seeking two federally accredited builders to deliver each package.
“This call for tenders from apartment builders is a huge step in delivering more than 1,000 new social and affordable homes across Perth,” said WA Planning and Lands Minister, John Carey.
“This tender represents a major pipeline of work for the Western Australian building sector encouraging further investment in workforce and potentially new build technologies, while simultaneously helping to address the social and affordable housing needs of our State.
“The partnership between the Albanese and Cook Governments is a great example of the of both governments working together to bolster housing supply.
“By partnering with top tier apartment builders across multiple development sites we can fast-track the delivery of social and affordable housing in well suited locations, close to public transport and amenities.”
DevelopmentWA has already undertaken a market sounding process with Federally accredited builders, with strong expressions of interest.
Tenders will close on 3 June. More information can be found at developmentwa.com.au/housing.
