Jiri Lev wants new approach to housing and ‘dysfunctional’ building regulations improved

A prominent Tasmanian architect has decided to take a tilt at politics. Read why housing is his priority.

Jiri Lev who will run as a Independent in the seat of Lyons in the 2025 state election. Picture: supplied by Jiri Lev

A Tasmanian architect who provides free plans for people wanting to build an affordable home will run as an independent candidate in Lyons at the state election.

Jiri Lev built a three-bedroom, home himself over six months costing about $150,000 and has had Australia-wide interest in his plans.

As well as wanting measures to relieve Tasmania’s housing crisis, he also wants building regulations simplified saying they are “dysfunctional”.

“My free architectural plans for affordable homes have been downloaded by over 20,000 people, with new homes being built across Australia,” Mr Lev said.

“I’ve provided thousands of people with knowledge and empowerment to build their homes and futures.

“I’ve been talking to various politicians and they’re kind of interested but not interested enough.

“The furthest I got was some kind of vague promise of possibly some land if I come up with the investment.

“We need a simple pathway for all Tasmanians, including public housing tenants to build their own homes and acquire skills, under a builder’s supervision.”

Mr Lev said he was “passionate” about the 1950s housing model in Australia where neighbours helped neighbours build homes and stay there.

He said having a roof over your head was “the second most important thing after your health”.

“We need good government funded housing, but not more suburbia which would be government funded.

“Suburbia to me is creating future ghettos in outer suburbs far from everywhere, with nothing to do so we need high density housing closer to town.

“We could create something along European models so there are little villages and co-operative housing where small communities can rent.

“There’s quite a lot of four or five storey government owned housing which is high quality and people have it secured for life.”

Mr Lev wants planning and building regulations streamlined and consumer protection improved.

“We just need to clean up the building regulations because they are so complicated and dysfunctional,” he said.

Since building his own home he has also built a small cottage or granny flat with two bedrooms for about $100,000.