Glossary
Glossary
Aboriginal community housing
See Social Housing
Adaptable and accessible housing
‘Adaptable Housing’ refers to the means of designing a house/unit that enables easy and relatively cheap adaptation to make it fully comply with access standards (refer AS 4299 Adaptable Housing – Class C). This housing is designed in such a way that it can be easily modified in the future to meet changing needs of occupants.
‘Accessible Housing’ refers to housing that has been fully adapted to meet the needs of a particular client or client type (e.g. wheelchair bound).
Affordable housing
As defined by the National Action on Affordable Housing (NAAH), affordable housing is ‘appropriate for the needs of a range of low and moderate-income households, and priced so that households are able to meet other essential basic living costs.’
Appropriate housing
Housing is deemed to be ‘appropriate’ if it is suitable to a household in terms of size, quality, accessibility and location, if it is integrated into a reasonably diverse community, if it incurs reasonable maintenance, utility, and transport costs, and provides security of tenure for a reasonable period.
Betterment capture
Refers to the placement of development conditions on land in order to recover, for public benefit, increased land values that arise from regulatory changes or major public investments.
Bonus system incentives
Bonus system incentives involve the relaxation of planning standards in exchange for the provision of affordable housing in designated areas, usually through a specific negotiation and assessment process. Examples include reduced height, set back, density restriction, or private and public open space requirements for a specific development in exchange for a commitment to provide on or off site, cash or in kind affordable housing.
Community housing
See Social housing
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Debt and equity finance for housing
Debt: refers to conventional borrowings e.g. a mortgage instrument.
Equity: refers to public or private capital investment in a project.
Developer agreement
See Planning agreement
Development controls
Specific standards used to regulate the configuration, appearance, density, heights, building materials, landscaping requirements, provision for parking, and so on of developments. When intended to achieve objectives relating to urban design, heritage conservation or environmental conservation they may regard design issues such as height, building materials, or landscaping.
Development conditions
Requirements attached to planning approval. Conditions are usually a combination of standard requirements (for example, compliance with certain safety codes), as well as matters determined in relation to a particular proposal, and can provide an opportunity to implement agreements between the developer and planning authority negotiated through the assessment process.
Expressed demand
This is demand for a good or service that has been registered, such as on a waiting list or by the action of a household, such as looking for housing. Economists use the term to distinguish between demand that is evident and potential demand that may be hidden or not recognised.
Graduated planning standards
The application of performance based planning standards as opposed to flat rate or universal planning standards. These may be used to increase site yield and facilitate the provision of affordable housing in designated areas, and include such things open space standards that increase proportionally to the size of the dwelling and car parking standards that reflect the location or future residents of the building.
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Housing affordability
The rent or purchase price of housing that is appropriate to the needs of a household compared to the capacity of that household to pay, which is usually measured by the level of household income.
Housing assistance
Diversity of ways that governments assist households who cannot access suitable housing in the market without assistance.
Housing price points
The range of prices paid for different types of housing in each local area.
Housing provider
A public, private or not-for-profit agency that provides housing services.
Housing stress
Term first used in Australia by National Housing Strategy (1991/92) to refer to lower income households with high housing costs. Has since been widely used as a (de facto) standard for assessing affordability problems in Australia.
The two most widely used approaches to defining households in housing stress are:
- Those households whose gross income falls in the bottom 40 per cent of the income distribution and who are paying more than 30 per cent of their household income to meet their housing costs (this is sometimes referred to as the 30/40 rule); or
- The (larger) group of households who have gross incomes below 120 per cent of the median household income and who are paying more than 30 per cent of their household income to meet their housing costs.
Housing subsidies
Capital or recurrent grants or other in kind assistance (e.g. land transfer) provided to the consumer or producer of designated housing.
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Impact mitigation measures/strategies
Conditions attached to a development approval to compensate for an identified adverse environmental impact of the development. For example, redevelopment of existing affordable housing may be permitted if the proponent replaces it with an equivalent supply of affordable housing.
Inclusionary zoning
The incorporation of provisions within a planning instrument requiring the inclusion of certain uses or facilities as a mandatory requirement for development approval. Can be used to require that a development include a component of affordable housing or a monetary contribution towards the provision of such housing.
Income definitions: very low, low and moderate income households
- A very low income household is defined as having 50 per cent or less of median household income.
- Low income households are those with between 50 per cent and 80 per cent of median household income.
- Moderate income households have income between 80 per cent and 120 per cent of median household income.
Land banking
When used with reference to affordable housing, this refers to the practice of the acquisition of land by government organisations to provide for future affordable housing demand. By purchasing land where growth is anticipated or planned to occur, government agencies can assist in stablising land markets, discouraging monopolistic behaviour by ensuring a steady supply of land.
Land development incentives/penalties
Policies that encourage the timely release and development of land, in order to counter price inflationary behaviour and contribute to a steadier program of housing development in response to demand. Incentives to land development might include assistance with meeting infrastructure payment obligations. Penalties to discourage land withholding might include the imposition of urban rates for development sites that have not been released and developed within a certain time period.
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Leverage
The additional money that a program or project causes others to contribute.
Local housing strategy
A plan of action to encourage provision of a range of housing that aims to meet the existing and future housing needs of the local community.
Market failure
A situation where barriers prevent the normal and efficient operation of a local (housing) market.
Median household income
Median income is a widely used measure of typical or average income. It represents the income level at which 50 per cent of the population (or households) have lower incomes and 50 per cent have higher incomes.
Not-for-profit organisation
A non-government organisation which does not distribute profits.
Out of sequence development
Development that proceeds ahead of planned sequence. For instance, a residential development plan might designate areas for future development, subject to the timely provision of infrastructure. ‘Out of sequence development’ that is approved ahead of this schedule and may be required to pay any additional costs associated with infrastructure provision.
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Partnerships
Partnerships bring together representatives from different sectors and different communities of interest to agree and work towards common goals. Partnerships vary greatly in how they are established and resourced and how they operate. Each partner adds value to the project in some way.
Planning agreement
A voluntary agreement between a planning authority and a developer under which the developer agrees that as part of a development proposal or rezoning that a monetary, land or other contribution will be made towards an agreed public purpose. May also be referred to as Developer Agreements.
Planning process incentives
Incentives to the provision of affordable housing associated with the development process itself, including special processes to expedite development assessment, the reduction or exemption of fees and charges, infrastructure charges, or rates, and the selection of a dedicated development assessment team.
Public housing
See Social Housing
Regeneration
Action that leads to the solving of urban problems in areas that have undergone decline. This action aims to achieve a lasting improvement in the physical, economic, social and environmental nature of an area.
Rent assistance
Rent assistance is a non-taxable income supplement payment added on to the pension, allowance or benefit of eligible income support customers of Centrelink who rent in the private rental market. Pensioners, allowees and those receiving more than the base rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A (FTB A) may be eligible for Rent assistance (http://www.facs.gov.au/, March 2006).
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Rent setting methods
Market rents: In the context of affordable housing, refers to the rent that an equivalent property in the private market would rent for.
Cost rents: Refers to the rent level necessary to cover the operating costs of a housing provider, usually calculated on a pooled costs basis across a project or program.
Affordable rents: Rents that meet defined standards of affordability for specified target households.
Income-related rents: Australian social housing practice of setting a tenant household’s rent as a percentage of their household income (e.g. 25 per cent or 30 per cent).
Special needs households
Households with personal characteristics that need to be taken into account in designing and/or providing housing, such as different forms of disabilities, cultural needs etc
Shared ownership schemes
Tenure forms where the resident and another (public, community or private) investor jointly own the property. May also be referred to as shared equity schemes.
Social capital
Our social networks—how we relate to each other—and the social norms (rules) and trust that underpin these—the ‘glue’ that holds our networks together. Policies and programs addressing this concept are designed to promote well developed social networks and higher levels of trust and reciprocity in communities.
Social housing
Forms of subsidised housing, usually rental, for designated households. In Australia social housing includes:
- Public housing: Social housing owned and operated by public agencies
- Community housing: Social housing managed (and sometime owned) by a not-for-profit community based organisation
- Indigenous community housing: Social housing owned and (usually) managed by indigenous community organisations
Social or ethical investors
Investors who accept a lower (than market) return for their investment in return for contributing to an affordable housing scheme
Social impact assessment
Formal assessment of the social impacts of a proposed development for a particular group or groups in the community. Social impact assessment methodologies involve identifying the range of likely impacts and identifying strategies to mitigate these impacts if the development is approved.
Sweat equity schemes
Housing projects where residents assist in construction and related development, in return for a reduced purchase price
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Sustainable development
Activity that achieves mutually reinforcing economic, social and environmental benefits without compromising the needs of future generations.
Target group
The designated group for which a housing program or project is intended
Voluntary negotiated agreements
Voluntary agreements made between a developer and planning authority (local council or state/territorial government) to provide affordable housing in exchange for a concession or subsidy of some type. Typically applied on a site by site basis or in relation to a specific development, these agreements recognise the significant increase in value associated with planning approval for the development. Examples of incentives used in voluntary negotiated agreements include reduction of infrastructure payment requirements, assistance with financing costs, and con¬cession in other development application fees or related charges. Also called ‘planning agreements’.
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Acronyms
ABS - Australian Bureau of statistics
ADI - Australian Defence Industries
AHURI - Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute
AOO - Affordable ‘owner occupied’ housing
BBC - Building Better Cities
CHC - Community Housing Canberra, ACT, Australia
COAG - The Council of Australian Governments, Australia
CRA - Commonwealth Rent Assistance, Australia
CSHA - Commonwealth State Housing Agreement, Australia
CWH - City West Housing Pty Ltd, NSW, Australia
DHS - Department of Human Services, Victoria, Australia
EPAA - Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, NSW, Australia
EPRA - East Perth Redevelopment Authority, Western Australia
ERP - estimated resident population
HLGPM - Housing, Local Government and Planning Ministers
NAAH - Framework for National Action on Affordable Housing, Australia
LEP - local environmental plan, NSW, Australia
LGA - Local Government Area
MACHA - Metropolitan Adelaide Community Housing Association, South Australia
MAV - Municipal Association of Victoria
NSW Land & Housing Corporation, the NSW Department of Housing or Housing NSW
ORHA - Office of The Registrar of Housing Agencies
SCHIP - State Community Housing Investment Program
SEPP 5 – State Environmental Planning Policy - Housing for Seniors or People with a Disability, NSW, Australia
SEPP 10 - State Environmental Planning Policy - Retention of Low Cost Rental Accommodation, NSW, Australia
SEPP 70 - State Environmental Planning Policy – Affordable Housing, NSW, Australia
SREP 26 - Sydney Regional Environmental Plan 26
TAHL - Tasmanian Affordable Housing Ltd, Australia
VPP - Victoria Planning Provisions, Australia
WDCP - Willoughby Development Control Plan, NSW, Australia
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References
Abelson, P., (2007) ‘Affordable Housing: Some observations on concepts and policies’, unpublished paper
Affordable Housing Innovations Unit, South Australian Department for Families and Communities (2006) Local Government Affordable Housing Resource Kit.
American Planning Association (APA) (1991) ‘The supply of public and subsidised housing’, adopted by the Chapter Delegate Assembly New Orleans, Louisiana.
APA (1999) ‘APA policy guide on housing’, adopted by the Chapter Delegate Assembly April 24, New Orleans.
APA (2003) Regional approaches to affordable housing, Planning Advisory Service (PAS) Report 513/514, New Orleans.
Barker, K. (2004) ‘Review of housing supply—Delivering stability: Securing our future housing needs’, Final Report, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, London.
Barker, K. (2006) ‘Barker review of land use planning’, Interim Report, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, London.
Berry, M. (2006) ‘Housing affordability and the economy: A review of macroeconomic impacts and policy issues’, National Research Venture 3, Housing Affordability and Lower Income Australians, Research Paper 4, AHURI, Melbourne.
Centre for Affordable Housing, Housing NSW (2007) Local Government Housing Kit,(Richardson R, Phibbs P and Gurran N) 'Housing Kits'. available online at: www.housing.nsw.gov.au/Centre+For+Affordable+Housing/NSW+Local+Government+Housing+Kit/
Greenhalgh, E., Miller, A., Minnery, J., Gurran, N., Jacobs, K. (2004) ‘Boarding houses and supply–side intervention’, Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute Positioning Paper, Melbourne.
Greenhalgh, E., Minnery, J., Gurran, N., Jacobs, K., Phibbs, P. (2004) ‘Boarding houses and supply-side intervention’, Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute Final Report, Melbourne.
Gurran, N. (2003) ‘Housing policy and sustainable urban development: evaluating the use of local housing strategies in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria,’ Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute Final Report, AHURI, Canberra.
Gurran, N. (2007) Australian urban land use planning: introducing statutory planning practice in NSW, Sydney University Press, Sydney.
Gurran, N., Milligan, V., Baker, D. and Bugg, L.B. (2007) International practice in planning for affordable housing: lessons for Australia, Positioning paper no. 99, AHURI, Melbourne.
Gurran, N., Milligan, V., Baker, D., Bugg, L.B., and Christensen, S. (forthcoming) International practice in planning for affordable housing: lessons for Australia, Final report, AHURI, Melbourne.
Housing, Local Government and Planning Ministers (HLGPM) (2005) ‘Framework for national action on affordable housing’, 4 August, Australia.
Milligan, V., Phibbs, P., Fagan, K., Gurran, N. (2004) ‘A practical framework for expanding affordable housing services in Australia: learning from experience’, AHURI Final Report No. 65, online at http://www.ahuri.edu.au/publications/projects/p60191.
Milligan, V. (2005) ‘Directions for affordable housing policy in Australia: Outcomes of a stakeholder forum’, National Research Venture 3: Housing Affordability for Lower Income Australians, Report, AHURI, Melbourne.
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Milligan, V., Phibbs, P., Gurran, N., & Fagan, K. (2007) ‘Evaluation of affordable housing initiatives in Australia’, National Research Venture 3: Housing affordability for lower income Australians, Report, AHURI, Melbourne.
Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) (1999) Housing: Your basic infrastructure; A toolkit for local government housing policies, strategies and actions, Victoria.
Productivity Commission (2004) ‘First home ownership’, Report no. 28, Melbourne.
Queensland Department of Housing and Local Government Association of Queensland (2003) Local Government Housing Resource Kit, online at: www.housing.qld.gov.au/design/pdf/housing_resource_kit.pdf
Queensland Government, (2005), South East Queensland Regional Plan, Office of Urban Management, p.8.4.2-6
Queensland Government, (2007), Queensland Housing Affordability Strategy
Richardson, R. (2007), Progressing a National Apporach to the Use of Planning to Promote Affordable Housing.
South Australia Government, (2007) ‘ Assessment Guidelines: Meeting the 15% target for Affordable Housing: In new land releases’, Departemnt for Families and Communities Fact Sheet
South Australia Government, (2006), Planning Strategy for Metropolitan Adelaide (Adelaide: Planning South Australia), available at: www.planning.sa.gov.au/go/strategy/land-use-planning-strategy-for-sa/metropolitan-adelaide-incl-residential-development-program
Squires, C. & Gurran, N. (2006) ‘Planning for affordable housing in coastal sea change communities’, in Darby, S., Falatau, P. and Hafekost, I. (eds) Building for Diversity, Refereed Conference Proceedings, National Housing Conference, 26–8 October 2005, pp. 381–403.
Williams, P. (2000) ‘Inclusionary zoning and affordable housing in Sydney’, Urban Policy and Research, 18(3): pp. 291–310.
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