Everything you need to know about:
Social and Affordable Housing, for all.
Bluebird shares the ins and outs of Social and Affordable Housing, from what this means to how we're contributing to a solution.
Everyone deserves an affordable house.
What is Social and Affordable Housing?
Firstly, this is a great question for all Australians. Let's begin with the key difference between social housing and affordable housing, and how we can all work towards quality housing for all.
What is Social Housing?
When we touch on 'social housing', we're typically referring to housing that is subsidised by the Australian Government on behalf of renters. These homes are often available to people on low incomes who have potentially experienced homelessness or other complex housing challenges.
There are two key social housing types, public housing and community housing. The latter is where Bluebird comes in. Unlike public housing which is owned and managed by state/territory Governments themselves, community housing is invested in by community housing providers, NFP and private developers who are passionate about addressing the shortfall of available homes.
This type of housing aims to solve long-term and secure rental housing for all who need them.
What is Affordable Housing?
In Australia, there's no real definition for what 'affordable housing' means. Affordable housing is a broad term that often finds definition within a specific initiative, program or grant. For us now, let's use the best description as a property that is less than the market demands.
Housing affordability stress has been increasing dramatically across South-East Queensland and nationally. The percentage of an households income on rent has previously been declared unaffordable if it exceeds more than 20%-30%. Latest reports show housing affordability is the worst its been in 30+ years.
For this reason, Bluebird has strengthened our commitment to supporting community housing projects.
Queenslanders should have access to safe, secure and affordable homes that meet their needs.
– Brisbane Housing Company
How does Bluebird contribute to Social and Affordable Housing solutions?
As both a private developer and advisor, Bluebird is deeply entrenched in this sector with a significant commitment to providing quality housing.
Partnerships
Bluebird has successfully collaborated with a range of private and public stakeholders with a shared focus on delivering high quality homes for all.
Our broad range of services, from project, development and advisory management ensures we hit the ground running with full adaptability depending on what's needed.
For Community Housing Providers (CHP) seeking grant funding, Bluebird not only assists with the application process, but can include our services as part of the funding.
This allows critical funding to reach the providers capable of delivering projects to those who need it.
Site Location and Research
When funding is available and projects can begin, Bluebird is able to assess sites for feasibility, due diligence and beyond. Ensuring developments aren't just successfully produced, but on time and on budget means more social and affordable housing is delivered.
"Any support that aids in reducing the cost of building more affordable homes in well-serviced areas is very welcomed by the industry."
– Managing Director, Riye Arai-Coupe, quoted by the Queensland Government, Homes for Queensland.
What makes Bluebird invest heavily into Social and Affordable Housing?
As a developer and advisor ourselves, we've built our business with an approach grounded in community, sustainability and shared success.
For these reasons, prioritising social and affordable housing solutions remains paramount.
We're always here to discuss all possibilities.
We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and recognise their continued custodianship and connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their Elders, past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
