What is Affordable Housing - and Am I Eligible?

Affordable housing offers stable, quality rental homes for people on low to moderate incomes. It looks and feels like private rental housing but is provided at below-market rents - typically 25% below market value or capped at 30% of your gross household income.

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Available Affordable Housing

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for affordable housing, you’ll generally need to meet the following criteria:

Age: You must generally be 18 years or older.

Income Limits: Your total household income before tax (including Commonwealth Rent Assistance) must fall within government-set limits.

Residency: You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and typically live in NSW.

Local Connection: Ideally, you live or work in the area or have strong community links.

Asset Limits: You must not own property or assets that could resolve your housing needs.

Tenancy Readiness: Ability to maintain a tenancy, with or without support, and a good rental history.

Former Debt: Must be willing to repay any former debts to a social or affordable housing provider.

Identification: Provide at least 100 points of ID (e.g. driver's licence, Medicare card).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The income limits can be found here

    • People with disability

    • NDIS and key workers

    • Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people

    • Households with children or dependents who are unable to afford a modest standard of living from their own resources.

    • Proof of citizenship or permanent residency in Australia and age

    • Proof of identity and residency in NSW.

    • Demonstrate housing need and unable to resolve this in the medium term to long term without assistance

  • Owning a property or holding substantial savings/assets that could reasonably meet your housing needs may make you ineligible.

  • Yes, the total household income - all adults living in the property - will be considered.

  • Please visit our Available Properties page to view current vacancies and join the waitlist.

  • Yes. Your eligibility will be reassessed under affordable housing criteria, which is different from social housing requirements.

  • Yes, students can apply if they meet all eligibility criteria, including income and residency requirements.

  • SEPP income limits are aligned with affordable housing benchmarks and differ from NRAS thresholds. They are reviewed annually and tailored to NSW-specific criteria.