NT Shelter is a peak body and advocacy organisation and does not provide accommodation services.
Community Housing
Community Housing, An Introduction:
Community Housing: A Sustainable Solution for Affordable and Social Housing
Community Housing Providers (CHPs) are non-government organisations that play a vital role in delivering social and affordable housing for people on low to moderate incomes. As an alternative to public housing traditionally provided by state and territory governments, CHPs offer a tenant-focused and financially sustainable approach to addressing housing affordability challenges.
Across Australia, tier 1 and 2 CHPs manage over $23 billion aggregate assets, comprising more than 134,000 rental properties. In Australia, nearly one third of all social housing is provided by CHPs, whereas in the Northern Territory, the figure is significantly lower (approximately 4%). Expanding the community housing sector in the NT remains a key government priority, particularly in supporting local decision-making and Aboriginal community control of housing.
The Economic and Social Value of Community Housing
Social and affordable housing is not just about providing shelter—it serves as essential social infrastructure that delivers significant economic, social, and environmental benefits. Research has demonstrated that:
- The economic and social costs of the current shortfall in social and affordable homes are estimated at least $677 million annually, potentially rising to $1 billion per annum by 2036 if left unaddressed.
- Housing shortages are particularly severe in regional areas, including northern NSW, outback NT, the Sunshine Coast, and major metropolitan areas such as Melbourne and Sydney.
- Investment in social and affordable housing can generate returns that help offset the funding gap in housing provision.
To better assess these benefits, CHIA released a new tool (SIGMAH) in October 2023, applying Infrastructure Australia’s social infrastructure assessment framework to social and affordable housing projects. This tool supports a research-backed approach to evaluating housing developments and optimising their impact.
Why Community Housing Works
The community housing model is effective because CHPs operate as mission-driven, not-for-profit organisations. They reinvest operational surpluses into maintaining existing housing stock, improving community amenities, and developing new housing options. Unlike public housing authorities, CHPs can access Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) and benefit from GST and stamp duty exemptions, making them a financially sustainable solution for expanding housing supply.
Tenants consistently report higher satisfaction with CHPs than with public housing authorities, largely due to their tenant-focused approach and commitment to long-term housing stability. For key workers and individuals unable to afford market rents, CHPs provide affordable housing at a reduced rate—typically around 75% of market rent—ensuring more people have access to secure accommodation.
Strengthening and Expanding the Community Housing Sector
While independent from government, CHPs work closely with state and territory authorities, private investors, and community organisations to develop social and affordable housing. The financing and approval process for these projects is complex and requires a mix of public and private sector funding, philanthropy, and government subsidies.
In 2022-23, tier 1 and 2 CHPs manage over 134,000 homes, own nearly 41,890 properties, and have 9,298 more in the development pipeline. In 2023-24 alone, registered CHPs accessed $880 million in loans through Housing Australia’s Affordable Housing Bond Aggregator, supporting the construction of almost 2,400 new homes.
A key policy objective is to expand the role of CHPs so they own and manage at least 50% of all social and affordable housing by 2036. Achieving this will require continued investment, streamlined financing mechanisms, and stronger partnerships between government, non-profits, and private sector stakeholders.
A Sustainable Future for Housing
Expanding community housing is a long-term strategy for creating stable, inclusive communities and ensuring that all Australians—particularly those on low to moderate incomes—have access to secure, affordable homes. With the right policies and investments in place, CHPs can continue to bridge the gap between public and private housing, ultimately improving the lives of thousands of individuals and families across the country.
For those struggling with housing affordability, community housing presents a sustainable, community-focused solution that provides more than just a home—it offers stability, security, and the foundation for a better future.
Community Housing In The Media:
(The launch of the Community Housing Growth Strategy) is a very good announcement’
Peter McMillan on the community housing model and its benefits for the Northern Territory.
Webinar - Community Housing: How it Works and Why it Matters:
What are registered community housing providers and how do they work? Why do they matter when it comes to social and affordable housing? Hear from experts from across Australia’s registered community housing sector:
6:32: Wendy Hayhurst – CEO, Community Housing Industry Association
Click here for a copy of Wendy’s slides.
28:50: Karen Walsh – CEO, Venture Housing
Click here for a copy of Karen’s slides.
50:06: Simon Moore – Managing Director, Moore Advisory
Click here for a copy of Simon’s slides.
1:21:24: Prof. Hal Pawson – City Futures Research Centre, UNSW
Click here for a copy of Hal’s slides.