Why is affordable housing important?
As the cost of living climbs, many Australians are struggling to find a secure and affordable place to live. Affordable housing plays a vital role in easing that pressure.
It helps people avoid overwhelming rent payments so they can focus on work, study, health and connection. And the benefits extend beyond individuals, strong housing systems make for stronger, more inclusive communities.
At Home in Place, we believe that safe and affordable housing is the foundation for a better life. Through advocacy and on the ground programs, we are working to expand access to secure homes for people across the income spectrum.
What is affordable housing?
Affordable housing refers to rental properties offered at below market rates to people on low to moderate incomes. These homes are typically delivered by not for profit community housing providers like Home in Place, supported by government investment.
The aim is to ensure people can afford housing without sacrificing essentials like food, healthcare, education and transport.
Affordable housing is different from crisis or temporary accommodation. It offers long term stability in well located areas, often close to public transport, jobs and essential services. This helps people stay connected to opportunity and build a better future.
The role of affordable housing
Secure, affordable housing helps individuals and families thrive, and when people have stable homes, entire communities benefit.
It reduces inequality
Without affordable housing, people on lower incomes are locked out of areas close to jobs, schools and services. This can entrench disadvantage and drive up costs in other parts of the system.
Affordable housing allows people to live in places where they can participate fully, in the workforce, in education and in their communities. It supports inclusive growth and a more balanced housing system.
It prevents housing stress and homelessness
Affordable housing gives people a real alternative to housing stress, where rent or mortgage payments are so high that essentials become unaffordable. For some, the absence of affordable housing is what pushes them into homelessness.
Secure, appropriate and affordable homes are a critical part of the solution to modern homelessness. Our advocacy highlights how structural factors such as limited supply, low income support and rising living costs are leaving thousands without a place to call home.
Most affordable housing developments are located near major transport hubs, giving tenants easier access to employment, education, healthcare, food and other essential services. This connectivity supports people to maintain stability and participate fully in their communities.
It supports a more effective housing system
When affordable homes are available, pressure eases on other parts of the housing system. This allows people to move out of crisis accommodation, temporary shelters, or social housing into more stable, long-term homes.
At the same time, affordable housing helps reduce demand in the private rental market, balancing supply and making competition for available homes more manageable. This creates a fairer, more efficient housing system that better meets the needs of everyone.
What is stopping access to affordable housing?
Despite the need, affordable housing is in short supply across Australia. A range of barriers continue to get in the way of development.
High land and construction costs
Rising land values, materials and labour costs make it more difficult to deliver housing at prices people can afford. Projects may stall or become unviable without government support.
Planning barriers
Strict zoning rules and long planning processes make it harder to get affordable housing approved in well located areas. In some cases, community resistance to development also slows things down.
Lack of sustained government investment
Australia’s social and affordable housing system has suffered from decades of underinvestment. While there have been important initiatives in recent years, more long term funding and policy commitment is needed to meet growing demand.
What is Home in Place doing?
Home in Place is a leading not for profit community housing provider with a growing portfolio of affordable housing. We work with governments, developers and community organisations to deliver housing that is well designed, sustainable and accessible to people on low to moderate incomes.
We also actively advocate for solutions to the housing crisis, calling for greater investment in social and affordable housing and championing the right to a home.
You can read more about our advocacy here:
Find affordable housing with Home in Place
We manage an increasing number of affordable housing properties across our regions. These homes offer long-term stability for people who might otherwise be unable to afford the private rental market.
Affordable housing is one part of the broader solution to Australia’s housing crisis. By continuing to invest in inclusive housing options, we can reduce homelessness, support essential workers and build more equitable communities.
If you are looking for affordable housing or would like to partner with us to deliver more homes, get in touch with our team.
You can also learn more about our program and eligibility criteria here Home in Place Affordable Housing
