Social housing
Social housing is long-term rental housing available to people who face challenges that make it difficult to secure safe and suitable housing in the private rental market.
Public housing and community housing are both types of social housing. Public housing is housing that is owned and managed by the government. Community housing is housing owned or managed by community housing providers.
How we’re increasing social housing
We’re delivering more and better homes through multiple funding streams.
The record $5.3 billion Big Housing Build is the largest investment to deliver social, affordable, and rental homes in Victoria. It is delivering more homes that are modern, accessible and energy efficient for more Victorians where they’re needed.
The $1 billion Regional Housing Fund is delivering new and upgraded social and affordable homes across regional and rural Victoria. A variety of delivery approaches are being used – from spot purchases to new builds, refurbishment of old social housing stock, renewal of Homes Victoria sites, and partnerships with the community housing sector.
Under the Ground Lease Model, Homes Victoria leases land to a consortium to build, operate and maintain housing on the site for 40 years. At the end of this period, both the land and all homes are returned to public ownership.
The High-rise Redevelopment is transforming Melbourne’s social housing neighbourhoods. It is replacing 44 ageing high-rise buildings with modern, accessible and energy efficient homes, and improved community facilities. Once completed, there will be at least 10% more social housing for Victorians who need it, and more homes close to schools, services, transport and jobs.
The Social Housing Growth Fund is providing financial support to the community housing sector to deliver more and better homes.
Find out more
Homes Victoria manages Victoria’s social housing portfolio. Visit the Homes Victoria webpage to find out more.
How to apply for social housing
You can apply for social housing with a Victorian Housing Register Application on the myGov website. You can use the same form to apply to transfer from your current social housing property. You may have to link it to your account if it’s not already on your list of applications.
Support agencies can also use the VHR online application for organisations or log in to the Funded Agency Channel site.
Find out more about applying for social housing.
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