Increasingly, a combination of government, not-for-profit, and for-profit organisations are involved in financing, developing and managing specialist, social, and affordable housing. The private sector appetite for such partnerships has never been stronger, reflecting increased corporate governance and shareholder expectations for investments and projects that deliver social and environmental outcomes. Maximising these opportunities to increase new social and affordable housing supply through increased private involvement will require strong policy setting and regulation, efficient procurement processes, and adequate and ongoing ‘gap’ subsidy from government, particularly to serve those in highest need. Models should emphasise collaboration and partnership across the public, community, and private sectors, to build capacity throughout the housing industry. This collaboration should be guided by rigorous Australian Government, state and territory government and local government housing strategies. These strategies should identify long term demand for specialist, social, affordable and market housing and articulate clear delivery targets by market segment. These strategies must be underpinned by firm funding commitments and viable delivery mechanisms.