Australian Co-operative Housing Alliance

Rental housing co-operatives in Australia

What Australian Governments can do to support the growth of co-operative housing

“As governments seek ways to accelerate supply, there is growing recognition that quantity without quality will not solve the housing crisis. We need a variety of solutions that support long-term social, economic, and environmental outcomes, not simply more units delivered faster.” Tim Ross, Chief Executive Officer – CHF Canada Co-operative Housing

The Australian Co-operative Housing Alliance (ACHA) advocates for government support to enable the co-operative housing sector to grow to at least 10 per cent of Australia’s total housing stock.  It is currently less than 1%.

ACHA recognises rental and limited equity co-operative housing as proven, scalable models that can contribute to a more diverse, secure and affordable housing system. These models should be supported through existing community housing funding programs, including the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF).

In addition, ACHA calls for policy settings that enable co-operative housing organisations to leverage their balance sheets and partner directly with housing consumers and financial mutuals. This includes pathways for households to make a modest deposit and secure an equity stake in co-operative developments, and regulatory reforms to help mutual banks to lend and invest to co-op housing projects. 

Supporting these approaches will expand housing choice, strengthen renter participation, and deliver long-term housing, affordability and stability for Australian households.

Co-operative Housing is the missing piece of the housing puzzle

Australia needs more housing co-operatives

Up to 30 per cent of Australians now rent long-term, primarily in the profit-driven private rental market. New models of renting are needed to provide stable, long-term tenancies. Rental Housing Co-operatives (co-ops) provide a distinct alternative in Australia’s affordable housing sector.

In Australia and overseas, co-ops have been effective financial managers of housing for decades.

Co-ops offer build-to-rent housing that delivers long-term, stable and affordable housing for people on low-moderate incomes, including people who receive government income support, key workers, people working part-time, students and independent retirees.

Co-ops are the missing piece of Australia’s affordable housing puzzle.