NHFIC funding helps deliver 152 new apartments for over 55s in Melbourne, Victoria

This $76.7 million project, comprising construction costs and land, will see the redevelopment of 69 self-contained independent units to allow for 152 independent living apartments and includes flexible, communal areas and 52 carparking spaces. The project is being developed in two stages and will be offered as long-term social housing for the 50 current residents with the balance reserved for over 55-year-olds on the Victorian Housing Register.

Tenants have moved into Stage One of the project, known as Building A, which comprises of 36 one-bedroom apartments. Stage Two of the project comprises of 116 units, split between 114 one-bedroom apartments and 2 two-bedroom apartments across two buildings. Construction of Stage Two commenced in June 2023 with completion expected in October 2024.

The Brighton East project is primarily funded through the Victorian Government's Big Housing Build 2021 Rapid Round. NHFIC has contributed $5 million in grants and loans for infrastructure works through the National Housing Infrastructure Facility (NHIF).

This is the second of four projects in Melbourne to be completed in collaboration with the Victorian Government and HousingFirst and will deliver much needed social housing for older Victorians.

Federal Minister for Housing Julie Collins said: “Boosting the supply of social housing in Melbourne and across the country was a priority for the Federal government.

“The Government is delivering housing for Australians who need it,” Minister Collins said.

“We are getting on with the job of adding to supply. And that’s what our Housing Australia Future Fund would do, with its guaranteed minimum of $500 million each and every year for social and affordable housing.”

State Minister for Housing, Colin Brooks said: "By collaborating with Federal Government through NHFIC, we can address the current housing challenges more effectively and ensure more older Victorians have safe and secure housing."

NHFIC CEO Nathan Dal Bon said: “Over 55s have played a critical role in building strong and healthy communities and represent one in seven people experiencing homelessness. We are proud to have facilitated the supply of social housing particularly for the vulnerable in this group, in collaboration with the Victorian Government and the community housing sector.

“Through NHFIC’s concessional finance and grant funding we have helped unlock critical new housing.”

Housing First CEO Haleh Homaei said: “A true indicator of a healthy society is how it cares for its older generations. 

“It is wonderful to be able to ensure that more older people in this area can remain living locally as they age; get the services and support they need at home, without having to move away from their neighbourhood and support networks.

“Together, government and community housing providers not only build homes but build communities, support neighbourhoods and change lives.”

The NHIF offers concessional loans and grants to help support critical housing enabling infrastructure.

About NHFIC

NHFIC’s mission is to improve housing outcomes for Australians. Established in 2018, NHFIC is a corporate Commonwealth entity that provides long-term and low-cost finance and capability building assistance to registered community housing providers (CHPs) to support the provision of more social and affordable housing. NHFIC lends, invests and provides grants to help finance the critical infrastructure and social and affordable housing needed to unlock and accelerate new housing supply. NHFIC supports home buyers by administering Government schemes that help them purchase their home sooner, and undertakes independent research into housing supply, demand and affordability in Australia. For more information and the latest data on our achievements, visit nhfic.gov.au