More than 24,000 new homes. Six game-changing developments. Could your future address be among them?
There’s hope for SA in the middle of Australia’s housing crunch, thanks to massive housing projects that will reshape Adelaide’s property landscape.
With a total of more than 24,000 new homes planned across metropolitan and regional areas, these six projects won’t just increase the supply of houses and ease the pressure. They’ll also create flourishing, well-connected communities where South Australians want to live.
Here’s your guide to what’s taking shape in 2025 and why your new neighbourhood might be on this list.
Onkaparinga Heights: Scenic southern living
Onkaparinga Heights is poised to bring 2,000 new homes to Adelaide’s southern corridor.
Strategically located near the Southern Expressway, the development offers extensive green corridors with walking trails and cycle paths connecting residents to natural reserves and local amenities.
A central community hub will feature playgrounds, sports facilities, and inviting spaces to catch up, connect and hold community events.
Modern housing designs will focus on water and energy conservation, ensuring sustainable living.
The suburb’s proximity to Noarlunga, McLaren Vale, and Adelaide’s southern beaches offers residents the perfect mix of convenience and leisure.
From sipping world-class wines at local cellar doors to soaking up the coast, Onkaparinga Heights will offer a blend of SA’s best on the community’s doorstep.
Fast facts:
- Where: Onkaparinga Heights (formerly Hackham), 31.9km south of the CBD
- Size: 230 hectares
- New homes: 2,000
- Affordable housing: At least 20 per cent
- Key features: Walking trails, playgrounds, proximity to schools and shops
- When: Construction set to begin in 2026
Playford Alive East: A northern growth corridor
Expanding upon the successful Playford Alive project, this new development in Munno Para focuses on affordability and sustainability.
The community will offer diverse housing options, from detached homes to townhouses and apartments, ensuring a range of choices for different household needs.
Green spaces are a priority, with expanded tree canopies, public parks, and recreational areas forming a core part of the design.
With Munno Para Railway Station just around the corner, commuting to work and education in Adelaide will be a breeze.
The inclusion of retail and commercial spaces within the development ensures that residents have access to essential services and local employment opportunities, fostering a self-sustaining community atmosphere.
Fast Facts:
- Where: Playford Alive East, Munno Para, 30km north of the CBD
- Size: 71 hectares
- New homes: 1,300
- Affordable housing: 30 per cent
- Key features: Parks, new schools, excellent public transport
- When: Civil works begin this year, with first homes available soon after
Southwark: Inner-city transformation with historical significance
Reviving the historic name of Southwark, this $1 billion development aims to transform the former West End Brewery site into a vibrant urban community.
The project will restore significant landmarks such as the Walkerville Brew Tower and the remnants of Colonel William Light’s Thebarton Cottage.
The development will integrate modern apartments, retail spaces, dining precincts, and entertainment venues.
Located just 3km from Adelaide’s CBD, Southwark offers high-density living with a focus on walkability and sustainability.
Expanded riverfront parklands, pedestrian-friendly streets, and seamless public transport connections will make this a prime location for urban professionals and couples looking for a well-connected, stylish inner-city home.
Fast Facts:
- Where: Former West End Brewery site, Thebarton, 2km from the CBD
- Size: 8.4 hectares
- New homes: Up to 1,300
- Affordable housing: At least 20 per cent
- Key features: Shops, dining, riverfront parklands, heritage conservation
- When: Civil construction expected to start within months; first residents anticipated by late 2026
Port Stanvac: Coastal living with a master plan
The former Port Stanvac oil refinery site is undergoing a transformative redevelopment to become a picturesque coastal community.
Spanning 230 hectares, the project will return public beach access to the community while protecting 40 hectares of coastal land for environmental conservation.
A new town centre will be developed featuring shops, dining and employment options with connections to Lonsdale Railway Station.
Residents will enjoy pedestrian-friendly streets, sports fields, and waterfront recreational areas. Energy-efficient housing designs align with the project’s commitment to sustainability.
The development will also connect to the region’s 70km coastal park network, offering extensive trails for walking and cycling.
This blend of seaside tranquillity and urban convenience will position Port Stanvac as one of Adelaide’s most desirable new suburbs.
Fast Facts:
- Where: Port Stanvac, 26km south of the CBD
- Size: 230 hectares
- New homes: 3,600
- Affordable housing: At least 15 per cent
- Key features: Public beach access, coastal trails, new town centre
- When: First residents expected during 2028
Dry Creek: A new urban hub in Adelaide’s north
Once a vast salt field, Dry Creek is set to become one of Adelaide’s largest urban expansion projects. The development will transform this 838-hectare site into a thriving suburb designed to accommodate up to 35,000 residents.
Central to the project are schools catering to various educational levels, healthcare services including accessible medical centres and clinics, and a town centre complete with retail outlets, cafés, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Incorporating sustainability, the development includesincorporates flood mitigation strategies. and water-sensitive urban design.
A well-connected transport network will make it easy for residents to get around, linking seamlessly with major roads and rail connections into Adelaide’s CBD.
The vision is to create a self-sufficient, modern suburb that harmoniously blends urban amenities with green, open spaces, appealing to families, professionals, and first-home buyers on a budget.
Fast Facts:
- Where: Dry Creek, 12km north of the CBD
- Size: 838 hectares
- New homes: 15,000
- Affordable housing: At least 15 per cent
- Key features: Schools, parks, public transport, sustainable infrastructure
- When: Rezoning is underway, with land division expected from 2027 onwards
Gawler Belt: A country-town feel with city access
For those seeking a serene lifestyle without compromising on accessibility, Gawler Belt, located within the Roseworthy Township Expansion, offers generous lot sizes, community gardens, and scenic walking trails.
This development balances the best of country-town charm with modern conveniences, making it ideal for families and couples.
Located near the Barossa, residents can enjoy access to world-class wineries while still being within commuting distance of Adelaide – it’s the best of both worlds.
Thoughtfully-designed streetscapes and tree-lined avenues will make it a welcoming, community-focused place where people love to live.
Fast Facts:
- Where: Gawler Belt, just north of Gawler, 42km from the CBD
- Size: 28.8 hectares
- New homes: 350
- Affordable housing: At least 15 per cent
- Key features: Spacious lots, access to the Barossa, rural lifestyle
- When: Rezoning approved, master planning in progress
What exactly is affordable housing?
The SA Government is making sure more low-to-moderate income earners can buy into these six developments by backing affordable housing. But what exactly counts as ‘affordable’ – and who’s eligible for it?
- A home where mortgage or rent costs no more than 30 per cent of annual income.
- Available for rent through community housing providers or purchase by eligible buyers.
- SA Government policy requires at least 15 per cent of homes in major new developments to be affordable.
Buying affordable homes
- Sold at fixed prices via HomeSeeker SA to eligible buyers.
- Price caps:
- Greater Adelaide: $517,000 (or $594,550 with energy efficiency/public transport benefits).
- Regional SA: $398,000 (or $457,700 with benefits).
- Shared equity available for higher-priced homes (up to 25 per cent of sale price).
- Available to singles earning under $115,000 and couples/families under $150,000 (before tax), meeting asset and eligibility tests.
Renting affordable homes
- Rent is capped below 75 per cent of market rates for eligible tenants.
Beyond these projects: What else is SA doing?
These six developments are part of a broader effort to tackle South Australia’s housing crisis and make homeownership more accessible.
The Housing Industry Association recently ranked SA as the best in Australia for policies boosting housing supply – so while things are tough, there’s hope at hand.
Key initiatives in our state’s Housing Roadmap include faster planning, low deposit loans via HomeStart, and more affordable and public housing.
The state’s biggest-ever land release and infrastructure investment, led by Renewal SA and the Department for Housing and Urban Development, is also well underway.
Plus, new career pathways – like fee-free TAFE SA courses – are helping South Australians gain the skills to be part of the solution.
Find a map of major Adelaide housing projects here and the Housing Roadmap here.
