Housing Australia has officially opened the second round of applications for the federal government’s Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF), marking a critical step in addressing the urgent need for social housing across the country.
The round invites state and territory governments to collaborate with community housing providers (CHPs) and other eligible organisations to accelerate the development of well-located housing.
The initiative aims to deliver up to 5,000 new social homes as part of the government’s broader goal to construct 40,000 social and affordable dwellings over five years under both the HAFFF and the National Housing Accord Facility (NHAF).
Housing Australia’s approach emphasises close collaboration with state and territory governments, who can provide access to well-located land and expedite planning approvals.
This partnership is seen as a key driver in delivering homes quickly and efficiently to address diverse housing needs.
Housing Australia CEO Scott Langford (pictured above left) highlighted the significance of these partnerships.
“Housing Australia is pleased to be collaborating with states and territories to rapidly address the critical need for social housing for funding round two,” Langford said. “We are strongly encouraging models from states and territories that enable partnering with CHPs.
“We look forward to working with the broader market in the new year to develop further approaches for future rounds to deliver more homes as soon as possible.”
Applications for Funding Round Two will remain open until Jan. 31 at 12 noon AEDT.
Housing Australia will also engage stakeholders in early 2025 to develop additional market-based funding rounds expected to launch mid-year.
The announcement has been welcomed by the Property Council of Australia, which praised the government’s efforts to accelerate housing delivery.
Matthew Kandelaars (pictured above right), Property Council group executive policy and advocacy, called the move a major step in tackling Australia’s housing challenges.
“The government’s decision to fast-track funding for 5,000 new social homes is another strong signal of the national priority to build more homes, more quickly,” Kandelaars said.
He also emphasised the broader benefits of the initiative, including the creation of construction jobs and attracting significant investment:
“This initiative will add more urgently needed social housing stock and bring critical momentum to housing supply efforts across the country,” he said.
Kandelaars praised the government’s pragmatic approach, particularly its focus on partnerships with CHPs and a “use it or lose it” principle to ensure timely delivery.
While the second funding round marks significant progress, the Property Council stressed the need to maintain momentum. Plans for round three of the HAFFF, expected early next year, signal continued commitment to addressing the housing crisis.
“A home isn’t just a roof over your head; it’s a foundation for a better life,” Kandelaars said.
The Property Council, alongside governments and the broader housing sector, remains focused on creating sustainable housing solutions that meet the needs of all Australians.
Read the Housing Australia media release here.
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