Faster delivery of affordable rental homes
The latest performance report from the Government’s National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) shows a marked increase in the rollout of affordable rental housing across Australia.
Parliamentary Secretary for Homelessness and Social Housing Melissa Parke today said the reports showed strong growth in the delivery of affordable housing to low and middle-income Australians.
“Almost 1000 homes were delivered under NRAS in March representing a 65 per cent increase on the previous month,” Ms Parke said.
“Nationally, almost 14,000 affordable rental homes have been built, with an additional 25,000 in the pipeline.
“Current projections indicate the Federal Government is on track to deliver 35,000 homes under NRAS by June 2014.
Ms Parke said the Federal Government’s unprecedented $26 billion investment in social housing and associated services was helping some of Australia’s most vulnerable people.
“Out of more than 15,700 tenants, around 1500 have a disability, 1800 are single parents, 1900 are aged over 55 years, and 700 are Indigenous,” Ms Parke said
“The Australian Government remains committed to delivering 50,000 new affordable rental homes under the scheme by June 2016.”
Ms Parke also highlighted the opening earlier this week of NRAS round five, which will see an additional 10,000 affordable rental homes built nationally.
“In this round we’re looking for projects that embrace universal design principles and support independent living arrangements for older people and people with disability,” Ms Parke said.
“We are committed to supporting Australians as they rightly pursue safe, secure and affordable housing.”
The National Rental Affordability Scheme offers annual financial incentives for 10 years, currently valued at $10,350 per year per dwelling, to build new homes and rent them at 20 per cent below the market rate.
Applications for Round 5 incentives will close on 6 August 2013, with properties to be available for rent from July 2015 to June 2016.
To view the performance reports, or for more information on Round 5 incentives go to: www.fahcsia.gov.au/nras