Politics
Affordable Housing Supply Bill Sets 2027-2029 Phased Rollout for Paddington Bne Units
Paddington Bne residents seeking lower-cost rentals will see the first new units open in December 2027 under the bill's staged construction schedule.
How we reported this
The state legislature passed the Affordable Housing Supply Bill last month, directing developers to meet occupancy deadlines for new units funded through state grants. The measure requires at least 400 of the planned units in the Paddington Bne area to accept tenants by the end of 2027, with additional phases scheduled through 2029.
Why the bill reached final passage this session
State records show the bill responds to a documented shortfall in rental stock identified in the most recent regional housing assessment. Lawmakers tied grant disbursements to project milestones after earlier funding rounds produced fewer completed units than projected in the 2024 budget papers.
Paddington Bne households on moderate incomes stand to gain access through income caps set at 80 percent of the regional median. Local advocates note that waitlists for similar programs currently exceed 18 months, and the new requirements aim to shorten that period once buildings receive certificates of occupancy.
Budget allocations and expected delivery dates
The legislation states that $87 million from the state housing trust fund will support projects in the Paddington Bne jurisdiction. Of that amount, $32 million is earmarked for sites already under contract, with the first drawdown scheduled for September 2026 once environmental reviews close.
Residents will notice changes first through updated listings on the state housing portal beginning in October 2027. Applications for the initial units open 90 days before each building's completion date listed in the project tracker maintained by the housing department.
Subsequent phases require 600 additional units to reach occupancy by December 2028 and 800 more by June 2029. The bill text requires quarterly progress reports to the legislature, which will be posted on the department website starting in the first quarter of 2027.