Newcastle has been earmarked as a location for more accessible housing, after the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) released a new pricing guide expected to encourage greater investment in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) in key regional areas. 

The changes, introduced on 1 July, were made in an attempt to adequately reflect economic inflationary pressures adversely impacting the market.  

Growing demand for specialised disability accommodation in urban areas reflect a need for greater access to central amenities that make independent living as easy as possible for those with high support needs. 

INSiTU chief housing officer Rosie Trantham says the new pricing guide should open doors to affordable homes for those in greater need. 

“In parallel, we have seen an escalation in land values, building costs and interest rates all impacting where SDA housing has been built, leaving a void in the market for fit-for-purpose NDIS housing,” she said. 

“This latest NDIS pricing framework will reshape SDA on-demand housing, encouraging the development of more innovative and individually tailored disability accommodation in urban locations along the eastern seaboard, and opening up more opportunities for NDIS participants looking for purpose-built homes of all configurations.”  

Ms Trantham said iNSiTU was committed to utilising the opportunities presented by the new pricing structure to expand its portfolio of SDA properties. 

“We remain dedicated to delivering high-quality, specialist disability accommodation solutions that foster inclusivity and empower individuals to thrive,” she said.  

iNSiTU Housing has partnered with Australian developer Third.i to deliver the purpose-built homes. 

There are more than 100 SDA properties in the pipeline.  

The construction of SDA Housing is already underway in Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Nowra and Wollongong, with Forster and Newcastle also earmarked for accessible housing.  

“Under our partnership, residents enjoy choice and control over where they live, with access to SDA properties in central locations, close to public transport, amenities and where they can easily engage with their local communities,” Luke Berry said.  

“We are pleased with the NDIS’ decision to revise the pricing structure for SDA Housing. These changes are a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by NDIS participants in accessing suitable housing options.”

Australia’s largest disability service provider Aruma has also teamed up with iNSiTU Housing and Third.i to provide NDIS participants with even more choice and control in their accommodation and support, so they can thrive in the community.  

Aruma is also offering six new homes for people with a disability in the Lake Macquarie region.

The first – a three-bedroom residence in Mount Hutton – has been completed and will be followed by five additional properties in Wyee, which are expected to be ready mid-2024.

Under iNSiTU’s SDA on Demand Housing initiative, NDIS participants are involved in the design process ensuring they create a home tailored to their individual needs.  

NDIS participants wishing to access SDA on Demand Housing can apply for housing secure off the plan from a range of locations. 

For more stories like this:

• More social housing needed across the Hunter
• Your guide to markets in our region
• Kmart and Target to merge

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.