Affordable Housing

Affordable housing offers rental accommodation for people on low to moderate incomes who cannot afford housing in the private rental market. Affordable housing aims to relieve rental stress and support households that have the potential for income growth or home ownership in the medium-term.

Affordable housing is designed to address the gap in the market between community housing and the private housing market. It is there to relieve rental stress for people who do not earn enough to pay market rent in the area in which they work, but earn too much to qualify for community housing.

The eligibility of affordable housing tenants is assessed on an annual basis and lease terms are generally for 12 months.

What types of accommodation are available to affordable housing tenants?

Our affordable housing portfolio consists of 308 properties located in the Adelaide metro and Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula, Murraylands, Eyre Peninsula, Mid North and South East. Affordable housing contains a wide range of property types to meet the broad spectrum of need in the community, including retirees, young couples and individuals as well as families who struggle in the private rental market. Properties include one, two, three and four bedroom options.

How is rent calculated for affordable housing tenants?

Rent is charged and reviewed in accordance with the respective program agreements, policies and guidelines. However, in general terms, affordable housing tenants pay rent set at no more than 75 percent of the market rent, and no less than 25 percent of their gross household income.

Am I eligible for affordable housing?

Affordable housing programs have different eligibility criteria.

As a tenant of an affordable housing property, you may be required to participate in an annual assessment of your income eligibility and continue to meet income eligibility criteria.

Information for existing and potential tenants is available on the NRAS information page of the government website or download the NRAS income fact sheet.

Vacancies

Unity Housing uses this website to advertise its affordable housing vacancies. Scroll down to ‘Our Properties’ and click on the ‘For rent’ tab to see what is currently available.

How to apply for affordable housing properties

You must physically attend an open inspection of one or more of the advertised properties on this website to obtain an application form, which are only provided at open inspections. The form must be filled out and returned to us, then your application and eligibility will be assessed and rental references checked.

If you are interested in an affordable housing (NRAS) property, you can phone us on 08 8205 3600 or email nras@unityhousing.org.au.

Housing is in limited supply, so please ensure you keep exploring all housing options.

What happens next?

We will assess your application to determine if you meet the affordable housing eligibility criteria, and we will contact you once assessments are complete.