This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
A NEW housing development in Penrith is set to add some relief to low-income renters, providing affordable rental units for residents.
Urban Property Group’s Navali development was opened on October 21 by Building Commissioner David Chandler alongside parliamentary secretary for planning, Tanya Davies MP. In partnership with community housing provider Link Wentworth, it’s aim is to offer more affordable housing amidst Australia’s rental crisis.
The exclusive housing complex is home to 163 one, two and three bedroom apartments. Within the complex there is also a co-working space, communal kitchen, communal cinema and communal vegetable garden while the site is solar powered and uses greywater.
Link Wentworth’s affordable housing team works with private property owners, investors, property developers, local government and other charitable organisations to ensure subsidised rents up to 75% of the private market rate. The housing team will support the tenants of this development and their CEO Andrew McAnulty is pleased that community housing providers can link up with developers to make a difference.
“Forward thinking and purpose-driven partners like Urban Property Group are allowing us to scale, using our proven reputation in this sector, financial capacity and 40 years’ experience in community housing to meet the demand for more affordable housing and ultimately help solve the current housing crisis.
“As more Australians struggle to find suitable affordable rental housing in a difficult economic climate, property partnerships such as Navali at Penrith have become even more urgent,” he said.
The Navali development is a part of Landcom’s Masterplan for Penrith, with more townhouses and apartments set to follow in an area earmarked for future developments. Its location is beneficial in its proximity to essential services and the workers who are based there and will be living in these rental properties.
Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias says Navali is a positive move towards making housing easier to attain.
“Urban Property Group is committed to providing housing that is superior in design and builds sustainable communities. These affordable rental housing units are fitted out to the same standard as all other units within the complex,” he said.
“Housing is an important social determinant of health and everyone has the right to a safe affordable home that gives them a sense of pride.
“Through our partnership with Link Wentworth we hope to grow and expand our affordable housing portfolio allowing more essential workers access to housing near where they work,”
New resident at Navali Kevin Finlayson is a disability advocate who is very satisfied with his new place.
“I couldn’t afford the escalating rents in Sydney until I contacted Link Wentworth. Within days I had secured a lovely studio in the new Navali at Penrith building. I’m thrilled that it is new, stylish and even comes with a washing machine and a refrigerator.”
