At SEMZ we have an extensive track record of designing, developing and delivering Social and Affordable Housing Strategies grounded in insight, experience, and impact.
Since 2012, our multidisciplinary team has advised clients across the full project lifecycle — from Property Advisory, to Development Management and Project Management. Our service encompasses feasibility and strategy, to joint venture structuring, development, and project delivery.
With current State Government policy now encouraging fast-tracked planning scheme amendments and planning approvals for projects delivering 10%+ Affordable Housing, we’re actively supporting numerous clients through:
– Affordable Housing Strategy development
– Transaction management and structuring
– Planning and authority approvals (including preparation of Planning Scheme Amendments)
– Funding strategies and applications
– Strategy Implementation and Project Delivery planning
Our Experience
Our team’s strategic advice is underpinned by extensive experience, including working for Community Housing Providers and Registered Housing Providers in Australia.
We prepare Strategy Options, tailored and presented to include key commercial considerations, planning constraints, delivery opportunities (delivery options, transaction structure), and integration pathways—helping our clients unlock sustainable housing outcomes. More specifically, Strategy Options typically include:
- Key sector considerations, such as ownership models, financing mechanisms, target demographics, and operational management approaches.
- An overview of the various affordable housing formats, such as government-subsidised rental housing, community land trusts, cooperative housing, rent to own programs, and mixed income developments. This includes their respective features, benefits, and challenges with considerations relating to operational sustainability, affordability, accessibility and community integration.
- Operations structures, including the roles of public agencies not-for-profit organisations, private developers, and community stakeholders in planning, financing, constructing, and managing affordable and social housing projects.
SEMZ has a proven track record working with numerous clients in the Social/Affordable Housing space, including;
✅ Department of Transport & Planning (Inclusionary Housing Pilot Project)
✅ Homes Victoria
✅ Melbourne Racing Club
✅ Community Housing Limited
✅ Housing First
✅ Shepparton Council
✅ City of Monash
✅ Stockland and more
A Proven Three-Phase Methodology
While each project has different drivers and goals, we typically adopt an approach centred on understanding client requirements, identifying how these requirements can interface with market demand and opportunities, and the development of a strategy to implement the required solutions to achieve client objectives. For example, the preparation of an affordable housing strategy for a developer would typically comprise the following key phases:
Phase 1 – Information Review, Project Inception & Strategy Options
We begin by reviewing project materials and identifying potential delivery pathways. We clarify project objectives and affordable housing contribution requirements through collaborative workshops—culminating in a high-level Strategy Options Discussion Paper.
Phase 2 – Demand Analysis & Market Sounding
Next, we collate a target list of potential partners and stakeholders,and conduct a market sounding process. This stage refines the strategy based on real-world feedback and confirms viable delivery options.
Phase 3 – Strategy Options Analysis & Final Report
Finally, endorsed strategy options are analysed in detail. We present a draft report with tailored recommendations, commercial/funding considerations, implementation pathways, and supporting rationale.
Each phase results in clear deliverables that equip our clients with the confidence to progress.
If you’re developing a project with potential to include affordable housing, or navigating emerging policy, reach out to Jon Purcell or Allan Titterton for a confidential discussion.