CHC Affordable Housing launches in Lawson 9 development

Low to middle-income families will have the opportunity to settle in the sought-after suburb of Lawson as a part of CHC Affordable Housing’s new townhouse development, Lawson 9.

Planning Minister Mick Gentleman and CHC chief executive Kim Sinclair launched the nine-townhouse development on Tuesday and gave potential tenants their first chance to look around the new homes.

Ms Sinclair said the ACT government’s land rent scheme allowed the not-for-profit organisation to provide high-quality housing for an affordable price.

“Our ability to access the ACT government’s land rent scheme for this project has allowed us to not only increase our affordable rental portfolio, but to do so in a location that is so close to well-established amenities – health, education, shopping and employment opportunities,” Ms Sinclair said.

The land rent scheme, which allows a lessee to rent rather than purchase land on which to build a home, is part of the ACT government’s Affordable Housing Action Plan.

Mr Gentleman said the Lawson project was an example of how government and industry were working together to provide housing for a range of demographics throughout the city.

He said the government aimed to include 20 per cent affordable housing at each new site across the ACT.

“Diverse housing types remain important for areas in close proximity to high amenity,” Mr Gentleman said.

“This is a demonstration of an ideal precinct that caters for those who need it most and I hope to see more of this property type across Canberra.”

The development, comprising double-storey, three-bedroom townhouses, was designed specifically for working families who would otherwise struggle with rental costs.

“Lawson 9 provides low and moderate income earners an opportunity to live in well-located housing that suits their needs without placing them in housing stress. This means people can spend more on other essentials,” Ms Sinclair said. 

Eligible tenants will have the opportunity to rent the homes for $375 a week, or 75 per cent of their market value.

“Year on year these savings are a powerful springboard for a savings plan that ultimately allows for many of these families to own their own home, as previous tenants have already achieved,” Ms Sinclair said.

CHC has a diverse portfolio of 400 homes that houses more than 1000 Canberrans. Tenants include low-income families, single parents, apprentices and people with disabilities living independently for the first time.

Ms Sinclair said tenant applications for the Lawson development were being finalised and it should be fully occupied within the next month.