We’ve released findings from our second pulse survey on social and affordable housing – A Pulse on Social & Affordable Housing in Australia 2025.
The survey, which ran for two weeks in April 2025, reveals a desire from industry for bipartisan support and funding certainty to ensure the delivery of more social and affordable homes.
A pulse on the HAFF |
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Most Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) Round One projects to be completed within three years as industry prepare for next funding rounds |

Industry feedback across both of our surveys suggests that private capital, in combination with public funding, has an essential role to play in the delivery of social and affordable homes.”
Erin Wakelin
Partner
A pulse on funding arrangements |
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HAFF remains the primary source of funding, while industry seek alternative funding solutions |

It is positive to see over half of respondents have or are planning projects in partnership with state government across every state and territory in Australia, highlighting the demand for national housing solutions.”
Jane Hodder
Partner
A pulse on government housing policy |
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Industry remain cautious ahead of Federal election, bipartisan support and funding certainty crucial to the delivery of more housing |

It is clear industry are seeking bi-partisan support for reliable and sustainable funding solutions to support their pipeline of social and affordable housing projects.”
Nick Carney
Partner
A pulse on the delivery of more social and affordable homes |
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Industry say, regardless of an election outcome, bipartisan support across State and Federal governments, a consistent funding model - such as the continuation of the HAFF- and procurement and planning efficiency is needed for the successful delivery of social and affordable housing |
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We need bipartisan support for housing. Take the politics out of it. The Post-war Reconstruction Authority's work on housing should be a template for collaboration across political parties and Federal/State relations.”– Private capital |
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A non-partisan plan with committed funding programs at the Federal and State Level.”– CHP provider |
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Political certainty.”– Developer |
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Bipartisan approach that provides a long-term framework for delivering a consistent track record of successful projects, supported by efficient non-market subsidy mechanisms that attract private investors and financiers.”– Financial institution |
A Pulse on Social & Affordable Housing in Australia 2025
Download survey snapshot
Key contacts
Nicholas Carney
Partner, Head of Infrastructure Sector, Sydney
David Sinn
Partner, Melbourne
Jane Hodder
Partner, Melbourne
Julie Couch
Partner, Sydney
Julie Jankowski
Partner, Brisbane
Lucy McCullagh
Partner, Melbourne
Erin Wakelin
Partner, Sydney
Frank Poeta
Partner, Perth
Legal Notice
The contents of this publication are for reference purposes only and may not be current as at the date of accessing this publication. They do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking any action based on this publication.
© Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer 2026
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