Housing supply and affordability
Australia has a serious housing supply problem that is impacting on housing affordability for all Australians, particularly low income households.
To assist in addressing this issue the government has committed about $20 billion to understanding and addressing issues affecting housing affordability in Australia. Major investments administered by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities include:
National Rental Affordability Scheme
The National Rental Affordability Scheme seeks to address the shortage of affordable rental housing by offering financial incentives to the business sector and community organisations to build and rent dwellings to low and moderate income households at rents at least 20 per cent below market rates.
- More about the National Rental Affordability Scheme
Housing Affordability Fund
The Housing Affordability Fund is a five year, $450 million investment by the Australian Government that is helping to reduce the cost of new homes for homebuyers. The program is focussed on reducing housing-related infrastructure and planning costs, and passing savings onto new home purchasers.
- More about the Housing Affordability Fund
Building Better Regional Cities Program
The Building Better Regional Cities Program is a $100 million funding commitment by the Australian Government to invest in local infrastructure projects that support new housing developments in regional cities.
- More about the Building Better Regional Cities Program
National Housing Supply Council
The government established the National Housing Supply Council in 2008 to monitor housing demand, supply and affordability in Australia, and to highlight current and potential gaps between housing supply and demand from households.
The National Housing Supply Council provides independent advice and analysis on housing supply and affordability, and produces an annual State of Supply Report.
