Increase diversity in the market by introducing a new affordable house and land product.

To provide for affordable housing the Minister for Planning has approved a Planning Guideline on Compact Block Housing for New Estates which will assist in increasing the range of housing alternatives in suburban estates while ensuring that residential amenity is maintained. This will provide opportunities and market entry points for housing choice for compact blocks of up to 250m².

The LDA has introduced the OwnPlace initiative that offers affordable house and land packages to eligible home buyers. 

Ensure that the land released each year provides a range of appropriately priced block sizes in diverse locations.

A range of block sizes are now available in the LDA estates.

The Threshold of affordable dwellings in new developments has been raised from 15 per cent to 20 per cent.

No less that 10 per cent of the blocks in the estate will be of an average size of up to 200sqm, and a total of 20 per cent of the total dwellings in the estate will be sold for affordable house and land packages, or units within the $219,000 to $328,000 price range (equivalent as at March 2010).

This has been updated since the launch of the original Affordable Housing Action Plan.

Future new estates now include the requirements to provide 20% affordable house and land packages under the new policy.

Work with the industry to establish one or two demonstration villages showcasing affordable land and housing packages.

Demonstration housing projects to promote innovation and excellence in design are included in estates at Franklin and Dunlop.

Release two new demonstration projects with about 25 per cent of the housing targeted at households of medium income or lower.

Demonstration housing projects will be provided by the Village Building Company in Franklin and Dunlop estates.

Incorporate examples of highly sustainable and accessible housing in the demonstration villages packages.

The LDA and ACTPLA are working with the Village Building Company to develop examples of sustainable and accessible housing.

The Bonner Living Showcase opened in April 2010, and is a display village that includes 12 display homes (created by 12 builders) of 6 to 8 star energy ratings.

Work with the industry to enhance apprenticeship training and other skills development in the demonstration villages.

One of the principal partners in the Crace Joint Venture, PBS, has developed a long association with the Master Builders Association (MBA) Group Training scheme, and is providing opportunities for training and skills development as part of the apprenticeship and cadetship programs.

Introduce an annual Excellence in Housing Affordability Award with a total prize value of $20,000 to encourage excellence in affordable dwelling construction and design.

In 2007-08 the ACT Government committed $20,000 to support the HIA/ RAIA collaborative Affordable Housing Design Competition, and the MBA Special Affordable Housing Award. A number of awards have been presented as a result, demonstrating the many innovative design opportunities for affordable housing in Canberra.

The ACT Goverment continues to support the awards initiative, and additional funding will also be available in the next financial year.