The lack of Affordable Housing is one of the most critical issues in Victoria. We have the lowest proportion of social housing in the country. Homes for Victorians and Plan Melbourne 2017-2050 both recognized the need to increase the supply of Affordable Housing.

In 2018 amendments were made to the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to facilitate the voluntary provision of Affordable Housing. The term ‘Affordable Housing’ is often incorrectly used to describe lower-cost market housing which be can purchase or rented within the financial means of a greater range of people.

In Victoria, social housing makes up the largest component of the Affordable Housing sector. Rents in social housing are set as a proportion of household income. Social housing includes public housing – owned and usually managed by the Victorian Government.