Landcom has launched plans for a build-to-rent project in Bomaderry in the south of NSW.
The $30-million pilot project by the state government-owned developer would deliver 50 new homes, of which 20 per cent will be affordable.
The development is slated for a site at 53-57 Bolong Road, and 4 and 8 Beinda Street at the southern end of Bomaderry town centre in the City of Shoalhaven.
Bombaderry is north of Nowra and about 2½ hours south of Sydney.
The site is near the Bomaderry train station, Nowra TAFE, and parks and road networks, including the recently upgraded Princes Highway.
Work is under way to complete the design and planning ahead of a development application being filed.
Subject to approvals, construction is planned to begin next year ahead of residents moving in by the end of 2026.
It is part of the NSW government’s build-to-rent program that also includes Landcom is delivering 50 apartments on the Tweed, although details of this project in the state’s north have not been released.
The South Coast has one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in the state and 47 per cent of Nowra households are experiencing rental stress.
Prior to its NSW election win, Labor pledged to focus on build-to-rent projects in regional areas, including turning surplus public land into rental stock.
“We need more housing options for essential workers, particularly in regional areas where it is difficult to retain staff,” Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park said.
“With better housing security and affordability available, we can attract more health workers to the South Coast which will improve outcomes for the entire community.”
Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said that the state government “knows that it needs to be directly involved in confronting the housing crisis”.
“The build-to-rent program delivered through Landcom represents a direct intervention into regional housing markets to deliver more affordable housing properties and is one of the first steps that we are taking to better support our regional communities,” she said.