State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009 provides incentives for the development of infill housing, boarding houses and secondary dwellings (granny flats), as well as for group housing and social housing
The NSW Government announced changes to the policy on 20 May 2011. The changes involve amending and removing certain provisions of the SEPP, and retaining those provisions which encourage new affordable rental housing that is compatible with its surroundings and in locations that are well served by public transport.
The Local Government Housing Kit provides information on local housing markets that may prove useful to developers planning affordable housing developments and preparing their Development Applications. Housing NSW produces local housing market analysis by LGA, containing demographic and housing stress information. The Local Government Housing Kit database also provides considerable housing-related data.
The Department of Planning website has more information on the SEPP, as well as a Frequently Asked Questions fact sheet.