The National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) was established by the Australian Government in July 2008, following on from a 2007 election commitment. The Australian Government is investing $623 million in the National Rental Affordability Scheme over four years to increase the supply of affordable rental dwellings by 50,000. The Scheme offers investors annual refundable tax offsets or payments every year for 10 years, provided the new homes are rented to eligible low to moderate income households at 20 per cent below market value.

A range of resources and information on the NRAS, and an overview of CHFA's current role in the Government's Capacity Building Strategy for the NRAS can be accessed from this page.

Community housing organisations can become involved in the Scheme in a range of different capacities. They may be contracted by investors to provide tenancy and property management services for NRAS-funded dwellings, team up with other partners in joint ventures or consortia arrangements to construct and manage new dwellings, or apply for the NRAS to help construct and manage dwellings themselves.

It is envisaged that community housing organisations that are able to invest or leverage their own funds into NRAS-funded projects, especially if this is in combination with other grants or assistance, will add to their own asset base, while increasing the amount of stock owned and managed by not-for-profit housing providers in Australia.

CHFA will provide ongoing support and information to community housing organisations wishing to participate in the Scheme, both as a direct point of contact and by working with state and territory peak community housing bodies.

Recent updates on the NRAS are featured below.