Tony Milham (pictured below), founder of Your Space Oceania, is tackling Australia’s housing affordability crisis by building steel-framed modular homes, just a year after launching his business, Westpac reported.
With an increasing demand for affordable, high-quality housing, his company is already seeing significant interest.
Milham’s venture was inspired by his experience in the logistics sector, where he specialised in transforming shipping containers into living spaces. His expertise led him to explore modular housing solutions that meet all regulatory requirements while remaining affordable.
“We wanted a product that didn't look like a box home but was still affordable and functional,” Milham said.
Australia’s ongoing housing shortage has driven up prices and rents, making Milham’s modular homes an appealing solution, Westpac reported.
These homes are designed to serve various purposes, from starter homes to multi-bedroom accommodations for aged care or worker housing. The key to maintaining affordability is building the homes in an assembly plant, cutting costs and avoiding on-site delays.
“By working in a factory, we can control costs, eliminate weather issues, and maintain a stable production environment,” Milham said.
Securing financing was one of Milham’s biggest challenges, a common issue for early-stage entrepreneurs. After initial rejections, he approached Westpac, where he received a $50,000 business loan.
“Access to funding can make or break a business,” said Tamara Bryden, Westpac’s managing director, business lending. Westpac’s start-up loans have made financing easier for new businesses like Milham’s.
With plans to expand into Western Australia and South Australia within the next year, Your Space Oceania is opening assembly facilities in Hobart and the Gold Coast.
Milham remains committed to his goal of providing affordable housing solutions.
“We’ve always been focused on making affordable living accessible. That passion keeps us moving forward,” he said.
Your Space Oceania emphasises quality and local sourcing, using materials from Tasmania while importing high-grade steel and flooring from China.
By assembling homes in a factory, the company ensures efficiency and cost control, providing a stable and affordable product for the housing market.
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