Housing industry professionals began advocating for major housing reform of the Commonwealth State Housing Agreement and increases to housing supply during the early 1990’s. This was occurring in an environment where public housing had shifted to a welfare model, only available to those in “greatest need”, the private rental market was shrinking, housing affordability was impacting on larger numbers of households and home ownership was in decline.

By 2007, major banks and private sector industry groups had also begun advocating for reform. Housing was a major election issue for the Rudd government, which when it came to power set about implementing reform.

On 1 January 2009 the Commonwealth State Housing Agreement was replaced by the National Affordable Housing Agreement (NAHA) which aims to ensure that all Australians have access to affordable, safe and sustainable housing that contributes to social and economic participation.

The NAHA provides $6.2 billion worth of housing assistance to low and middle income Australians in the first five years, with most of the growth targeted to Third sector community housing providers.

The NSW government has strongly supported growth in the community housing sector taking a lead in developing the regulatory framework, and in supporting the sector through education and training, access to market resources and the Housing Pathways program.

The commitment of $4.6 billion of capital funding, brought forward through the Nation Building and Economic Stimulus Plan has seen rapid growth within the not-for-profit community housing sector in both social and affordable housing. This has also created a competitive environment with many new players entering this housing supply market. State owned Asset Transfers and the National Rental Affordability Scheme have also increased the capacity of community housing providers to expand housing supply through debt finance leveraging. Supply increases in the current environment must also consider the future, which requires vision and the expertise to build dwellings that meet housing needs for the next thirty plus years. BlueCHP’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in all our developments.

Further information on our current market conditions, and operating environment can be provided by contacting us.