The South Australian Government is stepping up to tackle the housing crisis with exciting new developments, including a heap of affordable housing. Here’s a round-up of what’s happening where.
These projects are all driven by Renewal SA, the South Australian Government’s property development agency. Their mission is to lead, support and drive investment and growth through property and projects that make life better for all South Australians – including first home buyers.
Exactly what is affordable housing?
- Can be rented through a community housing provider or purchased by eligible owner-occupiers.
- Under the SA Government’s affordable housing policy, a minimum of 15 per cent of dwellings in new significant developments should be affordable for home ownership or rental.
For purchase:
- Affordable homes are offered for sale for a fixed price to eligible buyers through the SA Government’s HomeSeeker SA website.
- Eligible buyers have priority access to these properties, that are priced below $417,000 (in Greater Adelaide), or up to $479,550 if they meet requirements for energy efficiency and proximity to public transport. In regional SA, price points of $339,000 or $389,850 apply.
- Higher priced properties are also available with shared equity, which can cover up to 25 per cent of the sale price.
- Affordable homes on HomeSeeker SA are only available to couples or families earning less than $130,000 per year and single people earning under $100,000 (before tax), and who meet the asset test and other eligibility requirements.
For rental:
- In South Australia, the rent must be capped at less than 75 per cent of market rent, to a qualifying renter.
Thebarton: A billion-dollar transformation
The old West End Brewery site is getting a major makeover. This $1b project will transform 8.4 hectares into a vibrant, mixed-use community for about 1000 homes.
What’s in store:
- Medium to high-density homes with parkland, river or city views
- 20 per cent affordable housing
- Retail, commercial and hospitality spaces
- 30 per cent tree canopy coverage
- Sustainable buildings in a biodiverse setting
- 6 Star Green Star Communities rating
- About 4000 construction jobs and more than 150 ongoing jobs
The project is preserving the site’s heritage by adapting the Walkerville Brewhouse and there are plans for an innovative mobility hub with share cars, scooters and e-bike charging stations.
Current status: The draft master plan is now open for community feedback until 22 September. Residents can share their views online.
Tapangka on Franklin: City centre living
If you’ve dreamed of living in the heart of Adelaide, Tapangka on Franklin might be your chance. This development is transforming the old Adelaide Bus Station site in the Central Market precinct into a mixed-use urban community.
What to expect:
- Housing for about 1000 people
- 35 per cent affordable housing component
- A 200-plus room hotel
- Build-to-rent options
- Commercial and retail spaces
- A plaza and landscaped open space.
The project focuses on sustainability and celebrates the area’s First Nations heritage with its Kaurna-inspired name.
Current status: The draft master plan is now open for community feedback until 22 September. Residents can share their views online.
Aldinga: Eco-Living in the south
For those who prefer a more relaxed vibe, the Aldinga development is bringing sustainable living to the southern suburbs. This master-planned community by Villawood Properties will offer at least 800 new homes across 45 hectares.
Highlights include:
- A mix of housing types (up to three storeys)
- At least 25 per cent affordable housing
- Net zero carbon community
- 5 Star Green Star Communities Rating (aiming for 6 Stars)
- 7 Star NatHERS rating for individual homes
- A Villawood Community Club with various amenities
- 16 per cent of land dedicated to open space
- An over 55s Lifestyle Village.
Current status: Public engagement on Villawood Properties’ draft plan is scheduled to begin later this year, with construction expected to start late next year.
Prospect Corner: City-fringe community
Just 7km from the CBD, Prospect Corner is shaping up to be an attractive, accessible and affordable city-fringe community. Combining convenience and sustainability, residents can choose from a mix of apartments and townhouses.
What’s on offer:
- 100 affordable rental apartments
- 108 townhouses
- 55 per cent of the site dedicated to affordable housing
- 7 Star Nationwide House Energy Rating for townhouses
- 5 Star Green Star rating for apartment buildings
- Solar panels on apartment buildings
- Easy access to public transport and nearby amenities.
Current status: Construction of the first townhouses is underway. Kennett Builders has been engaged to deliver the 100 affordable rental apartments.
Magill: A vision for the UniSA site redevelopment
Local firm Oxigen is leading the design of a master plan for the future of UniSA’s Magill campus. The community will be actively engaged in developing the plan for the 14.62-hectare campus, which straddles St Bernards Road and was bought by the state government in 2023.
The high-quality residential development will include:
- A mix of housing types
- 20 per cent affordable housing
- Community and recreational facilities
- Preservation of Murray House, a local heritage building
- Third Creek and the extensive tree canopy as a feature
- Focus on sustainability and green spaces.
Current status: UniSA has a lease for up to 10 years on the main campus site before it leaves the area. The main 11-hectare site will require rezoning and consultation before any residential redevelopment can take place there. The campus land to the east of St Bernards Road may be available for development as early as the end of 2026.
South Australia’s commitment to first home buyers
Renewal SA’s work is just one part of a broader strategy by the South Australian Government to tackle the housing crisis and make homeownership more accessible. Its Housing Roadmap outlines strategies for faster planning, low deposit loans through HomeStart, more affordable housing, the largest ever land release, infrastructure investment, skills development and more public housing. Plus it’s scrapped stamp duty for first home buyers on all new homes.
Take a look at all Renewal SA’s projects here.
