Work is progressing on 25 new affordable rental homes in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, the first to be delivered under a Renewal SA-led initiative to fast-track housing supply via a pre-approved panel of builders.
The first 20 double-storey townhouses at Playford Alive are underway, with five on track for completion by Christmas.
They are being delivered through Renewal SA’s Builders Panel, established in July 2024 through a competitive tender to pre-qualify builders and streamline home delivery.
Efficiencies such as pre-designed plans, fewer tenders and standardised contracts are helping cut early-stage delays.
Peter Gatsios, Executive Director of Residential Projects at Renewal SA, said the early progress was encouraging.
“These 25 homes at Playford Alive are the first of what is now becoming a long list of developments being expedited under the Builders Panel,” Mr Gatsios said.
“We’re very pleased to see this momentum and hope it continues across other projects.”
“In the midst of a housing crisis, it’s important we eliminate every possible roadblock to get people into homes even sooner.”
Peter Gatsios is the Executive Director of Residential Projects and Assets at Renewal SA
Agreements with builders for the homes at Playford Alive were finalised in late 2024, paving the way for construction to begin earlier this year.
Burbank was first on site, starting work on nine homes, followed by Brazzale Constructions, which began building an additional 11 homes in June.
The final five homes, to be delivered by Metricon, are in the final stages of development approval and are expected to begin construction soon.
The 25 homes are earmarked as additional homes for the South Australian Housing Trust’s Rent to Buy program, announced in May.
The program enables eligible renters to lease one of 100 newly built properties at 75% of market rent, providing the opportunity for them to save for a mortgage deposit.
Leases will run for up to two years, after which tenants will have the first right to purchase the property.
“This is a really great outcome for these homes, which will provide a genuine opportunity for long-time renters to take meaningful steps toward ownership,” Mr Gatsios added.
Homes are now being delivered by members of Renewal SA’s Builders Panel at Playford Alive, Noarlunga, and Seaton.
Fifteen companies were selected to be part of the panel, with agreements negotiated on a three-year basis.
To date, members of Renewal SA’s builders’ panels have been contracted to deliver about 190 homes across Renewal SA Projects.