Affordable Housing

Affordable Housing Vacancies

Housing Plus has 53 affordable rental properties in Orange, Bathurst and Mudgee: 10 one-bedroom units, 10 two-bedroom units and 1 four-bedroom house in Orange; 20 two-bedroom units in Mudgee; and 5 one-bedroom units, 5 two-bedroom units and 2 four-bedroom houses in Bathurst.

Telephone 1800 603 300 for the latest vacancies.

What is Affordable Housing?

Affordable housing can mean a number of different things to different people, but it is generally agreed that housing is affordable if a household does not have to spend more than 30% of their income on rent.

At Housing Plus we define affordable housing as:

• Reasonably adequate in standard and location for low to moderate income households; and
• Reasonably priced in so much as a household can meet basic living costs e.g. pay for medical or educational expenses, food, transport and energy costs.

Rents for affordable housing are offered at subsidised rates, based either on a discount to the market rent or as a percentage of household income.

What is the National Rental Affordability Scheme?

The National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) is an Australian Government initiative to stimulate the supply of new affordable, privately-owned rental dwellings.

Under round 4 of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS), Housing Plus secured funding to build 53 affordable rental properties in Orange, Bathurst and Mudgee. These are rented to eligible low and moderate income households at a rate that is at least 20% below the prevailing market rate.

Why does the Central West need affordable housing?

The Central West is currently experiencing an acute rental affordability crisis. This crisis is linked to the local resources boom, which has produced a sudden influx of high income earners in the community. Population projections suggest that this situation may continue for some time and governments at all levels are working toward solutions that will maintain balance in the community. In the meantime, the real estate market in the Central West is experiencing a depletion in affordable rental properties.

Am I eligible for affordable housing?

Eligibility for affordable housing mostly depends on your household income, which must be within the maximum limits set by the NSW and/or Australian governments. Below is a guide to the maximum income you can receive to be eligible for affordable housing under the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS):

How do I apply?

Click to view our Affordable Housing Application Form.

Key Links:

So Many Housing Terms – What Do They All Mean?

Centre for Affordable Housing