Build-to-rent

Build-to-rent is purpose-built housing designed for rent, rather than sale. It is designed and built specifically for long-term renters to provide secure housing, typically in the form of apartments.

In Australia, build-to-rent is predominantly owned, managed, and operated by institutional investors as long-term assets, with revenue generated through the lease of the dwellings over time.

Housing affordability and availability is one of the biggest pressures facing NSW residents. The NSW Government is investing in the delivery of secure housing assets to boost supply in key regional areas with economies impacted by low housing availability. 

The pilot projects will evolve into a program funded by the NSW Government to secure homes for hard-working people in regional areas experiencing housing stress. The program is founded on the principle of recouping costs and returning a profit over time to reinvest into more housing.

More than one-third of households renting in regional NSW are experiencing rental stress, leaving a large portion of the population vulnerable to changes in interest rates, wages and rental prices.

While build-to-rent is very common in European and North American cities, it is only just taking hold in Australian cities. However, investors have not yet ventured into regional areas, which is why the NSW Government is backing build-to-rent in regional NSW. 

The two pilot projects will deliver supply into regional housing markets and increase affordability in areas feeling the combined stresses of rising rents and lack of housing availability.

As a NSW Government owned development organisation, Landcom is well suited to coordinate planning, approvals and construction of these projects. The NSW Government is funding development and will retain ownership of the housing, which will be managed by a suitable government agency or a community housing provider. 

The build-to-rent projects in the South Coast and Northern Rivers regions are pilot projects to provide long-term rental housing in regional areas impacted by low housing supply and/or low rental vacancy rates. Landcom is seeking to deliver a sustainable and replicable build-to-rent model that will support the rollout of more regional build-to-rent projects in the future.

Subject to approvals, Landcom is aiming to complete the two build-to-rent projects in 2026, ready for residents to move in.

The build-to-rent properties and tenancies will be managed by a government agency or community housing provider. Details will be made available closer to project completion.  

Yes. At our Bomaderry and East Lismore projects, 20% of homes will be affordable rental housing. 

Affordable rental housing is housing that meets the needs of people on low to moderate incomes, such as essential workers. Rent is priced so tenants can afford other basic living costs such as food, clothing, transport, medical care and education. It is managed in accordance with the rent setting provisions of the NSW Housing Ministerial Guidelines.

Affordable housing is not the same as social housing, which is available to people on very low to low household incomes. This includes those who are struggling to afford rent and are often on the brink of homelessness. Landcom does not provide social housing.

The NSW Government will retain ownership of the build-to-rent properties, which will be managed by a government agency or community housing provider. Details will be made available closer to project completion.