ANOTHER site in the Victorian government’s Affordable Housing Rental Scheme has opened, with the new $19.9 million Cheltenham development now completed.
Located on Elman Road in Cheltenham, around 18km south-east of the Melbourne CBD, the project comprises 29 one-, two- and three-bedroom homes.
The homes are all modern and energy efficient, with each meeting a minimum 6-star NatHERS energy rating.
The development is one of six delivered so far as part of the Affordable Housing Rental Scheme, which includes over 300 affordable dwellings at sites in Kensington, Ashburton, Ascot Vale, Blackburn, Heidelberg and now Cheltenham.
The scheme was conceived to provide renters security through fixed-term rental agreements of up to three years with the option to extend.
“We are proud to continue delivering more affordable homes for more renters as part of this scheme – which is delivering positive outcomes for renters across the state,” said Harriet Shing, minister for housing.
“Rental security is more important than ever – which is why we are keeping these homes affordable for a minimum of three years – giving tenants peace of mind.”
The scheme is available to essential workers including healthcare, disability and casual workers and has been designed to ensure a rental that is close to shops, transport and employment.
The Affordable Housing Rental Scheme is part of the Allan government’s Big Housing Build, which has committed to delivering more than 12,000 new homes upon completion.
Earlier this month, the state government announced it would contribute $6 million towards 26 new community housing units in St Kilda, as homelessness balloons across the state.
Out of every state and territory in the country, Victoria holds the lowest share of social housing, with public and community housing making up just 2.8% of Victorian households.
And Victoria recording a 5.3% increase in the use of homelessness services between December and March, according to Homelessness Australia.
