The Western Australian government has released a major tender seeking builders to deliver over 1,000 new social and affordable homes across 14 developments, marking a significant step in a $443 million housing initiative jointly funded by the federal and state governments.
The program, one of the largest of its kind in the state, will see 1,145 new build-to-rent homes constructed, with approximately 80 per cent designated as affordable housing and 20 per cent as social housing.
The developments will range from three to nine storeys, with about half located adjacent to new METRONET train stations, including Ellenbrook, Cannington, Midland, Redcliffe, and Ballajura.
Additional sites include Wellard, Woodbridge, White Gum Valley, Rivervale, Butler, Subiaco, Bassendean, Kelmscott, and Perth City Link.
WA Premier Roger Cook stated: “My government will never stop working towards ensuring every Western Australian has a home.
“Not only will it deliver a pipeline of more than 1,000 social and affordable homes across Perth, it will also deliver long-term jobs and boost rental supply.”
The tender is part of a landmark agreement leveraging the federal government’s Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) and the National Housing Accord Facility (NHAF).
Under the arrangement, the WA government will provide upfront capital, with completed homes sold to Community Housing Providers, who can access concessional loans and ongoing subsidies to ensure affordability over a 25-year period.
Treasurer and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti highlighted the integration with public transport, stating: “METRONET is the single largest investment in public transport that Perth has ever seen, and this landmark package is another critical piece of delivering a better-connected city with more transport, housing and employment choices.
“More people living in close proximity to affordable and reliable public transport is critical for our growing city and reducing congestion on our road network.”
Planning and Lands Minister John Carey added: “This call for tenders from apartment builders is a huge step in delivering more than 1,000 new social and affordable homes across Perth.
“The partnership between the Albanese and Cook Governments is a great example of both governments working together to bolster housing supply.
“By partnering with top tier apartment builders across multiple development sites we can fast-track the delivery of social and affordable housing in well suited locations, close to public transport and amenities.”
The 14 developments will be split into two packages, with the tender seeking two federally accredited builders for each.
The new buildings will meet ‘Silver Livable’ standards under national guidelines and achieve a 7-star NatHERS energy rating.
Tenders close June 3.
