Sweeping reforms to crackdown on poor compliance and mismanagement of affordable homes in NSW
Sweeping reforms to crackdown on poor compliance and mismanagement of affordable homes in NSW have been announced by the state government.
NSW
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The state government has introduced landmark legislation to overhaul the way affordable housing is regulated in New South Wales, aiming to shut down loopholes and boost accountability.
Being unveiled in parliament on Tuesday, the Community Housing Providers Amendment Bill 2025 promises a new era of transparency and oversight, including the creation of a public register of all affordable homes in the state.
The register will track the location, ownership and management of properties to address a longstanding lack of centralised data.
Under the new laws, developers will no longer be able to exploit planning incentives without delivering on affordable housing promises, with a key measure banning the issuing of occupation certificates unless a registered Affordable Housing Manager is appointed and affordability rules are recorded on the property title.
Planning Minister Paul Scully said the reforms are part of a broader strategy to ensure affordable housing is delivered alongside market housing, supported by initiatives like the Infill Affordable Housing Pathway, the Housing Delivery Authority and the Transport Oriented Development program.
“These reforms are already supporting the delivery of hundreds more affordable homes with thousands more in the planning pipeline, so it is important that we take steps to improve the oversight of these homes,” he said.
The Bill also grants the NSW Government new powers to fine developers and enforce tenant eligibility and affordability rules with Housing and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson described the reforms as drawing a line under the “cowboy era” of unregulated affordable housing.
“We’re drawing a line under the cowboy era of unregulated affordable housing. These laws ensure that if you say you’re delivering affordable housing, you actually do,” she said.
“This is about protecting the integrity of affordable housing. If a developer gets approval under affordable housing rules, they must deliver on that promise and affordable homes must be managed properly and go to eligible tenants.”
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