HIA welcomes greater private sector participation in social and affordable housing

"HIA has been a strong advocate of the need for government to enter into public-private partnerships to increase social and affordable housing construction.

"With the current downturn in new home building, there is a real opportunity for the private sector to step in to support community housing providers and help government to achieve its targets.

"Tasmanian Labor's proposal to purchase 'off the plan' apartments and medium-density dwellings for use as social housing is sensible. Housing diversity is essential in increasing housing supply.

"However, an incoming government must ensure that the planning scheme supports this kind of development through identification of suitable infill areas and the provision of a Medium Density Code that streamlines the planning and building process.

"The further announcement by Tasmanian Labor on the availability of land grants for Build-to-Rent developments that include social housing or affordable rentals is also welcomed.

"This is subject to any government support or incentives aimed at increasing the supply of build to rent housing being limited to below market rate rental arrangements whether owned by government, private or not for profit providers" commented Mr Collins.