Project Update
Thank you to everyone who has submitted feedback. This survey is now close and we will be reviewing the feedback submitted shortly.
Background
Waverley Council has operated the Waverley Affordable Housing Program since 2000 with acquisitions made under Voluntary Planning Agreements, either in perpetuity or for periods on a lease. Over 20 years, 43 properties have been used in this way as affordable rental housing.
The program now consists of 25 units, complemented by Council’s Waverley Housing for Older People Program.
There has long been a tension between the formula used for setting rents and the income limits specified, exacerbated by the significant increases in rents in the Waverley LGA. A review of policy settings for the Program by SGS Economics highlighted the need amongst low income renters in Waverley for assistance. Households found to be in severe rental stress were single, low income households.
We’re updating the policy to improve access to Council’s affordable housing program for a wide range of households including single parent families, and essential workers on low incomes.
What are proposed changes?
The main change is to detach program from market driven rents, and to utilise instead household income as the key driver. By utilising the income limits for households of varying size we can maximise the social outcomes the program can achieve. These income limits will be referenced by the NSW Affordable Housing Ministerial Guidelines and updated annually. We’ve also extended the rental term from three to five years, allowing people more time to get back on their feet.
Initial feedback indicates the proposed changes will likely make a big difference to people who are struggling with high rents in our community.
The proposed amendments are summarised in the table below:
| Current Policy Setting | Proposed Policy Setting |
| Targets working people on low to moderate incomes living in Waverley for at least three (3) years, or working in Waverley for at least five (5) of the last ten (10) years. | Targets working people on low to moderate incomes, living and/ or working in Waverley for at least three (3) years |
| Sets the rent at 75% of the market median with a further 10% reduction allowable for up to a third of tenancies to provide for access by low income earners. | Sets the rent at 75% of the bottom quartile market median, and allows the CHP to offer further rent reductions to ensure that rents are affordable for low income households of varying types |
| Allows one term of rental of up to three years. | Allows one term of rental of up to five (5) years. |
How to Have Your Say
We welcome your feedback on the draft policy until 15 December 2023.
You can provide comments in the survey box below or email your feedback to leisa.simmons@waverley.nsw.gov.au
For further information contact Leisa Simmons, Manager Housing Programs & Community Support.
