By Ahi (Australasian Housing Institute)
On a positive note!
There are examples of new models of affordable housing starting to happen around the country, and it can be designed to create connected and liveable communities - not just cheaply to meet an immediate need.
We haven't yet visited The Residences at Karamu focusing on community housing and first home buyers - but am pretty impressed to see this affordable housing project (with dwellings offered at a 30% discount to median market pricing) be recognised for its design and sustainability features by the Property Council.
An important part of keeping costs low is the Community Housing rebate scheme introduced by the city council - in principle not unlike that operating in Tauranga City Council, that sees a 100% rebate of development contributions for community housing developments. A principle worth exploring for the Waikato region as we look for ways to promote and incentivise master planned and integrated affordability.
