ACT Pumps $60m into Affordable Housing

Amid Canberra’s housing challenges, the ACT Government is pushing $60 million into the Affordable Housing Project Fund, planning to boost build-to-rent offerings.

Collaborating with CHC Australia and the Canberra Southern Cross Club, the Government plans to construct 70 affordable rental homes as part of a larger 140-unit build-to-rent development in the suburb of Phillip.

The Affordable Housing Project Fund, launched last year, aims to strengthen the community housing sector and enhance the availability of affordable rentals.

Encouraging submissions from housing providers and developers, the Government emphasised accessibility to the fund through the Affordable Rental Prospectus.

The Build-to-Rent model aligns with the ACT Housing Strategy’s objective to improve rental supply and affordability in the long term with construction to begin this year and finish in 2026.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the Government’s commitment to housing accessibility and affordability amid Canberra’s growth was a priority and would assist 500,000 people by 2027.

▲ Future residents will be opposite this health centre at Phillip.

“We are using every lever we can across the government to accelerate more projects that will support more affordable homes,” Barr said.

Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Yvette Berry said “every Canberran should have a fair chance at finding a place to call home, whether they’re a homeowner or tenant”.

The build-to-rent development would be opposite Stellar Canberra health and wellness centre and according to Canberra Southern Cross Club president John Lewis is part of the club’s diversification program.