Nightingale Housing is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 2007 by a group of architects in Melbourne. Frustrated with the lack of affordable housing options available, they decided to take matters into their own hands. They pooled their money and expertise to create well-designed, architecturally led housing projects that are targeted towards cost-sensitive individuals. Their projects aim to meet a shared set of social, financial, and sustainable values.
These projects have been successful in attracting first home buyers who are looking for affordable housing options. By removing amenities like individual laundries, car parks, and second bathrooms, Nightingale Housing is able to reduce costs and make the apartments more accessible to a wider range of people. The projects are also designed to minimize environmental impact, making them attractive to those who are conscious of sustainability.
One of Nightingale Housing’s most popular offerings is the “teilhaus”, a studio-style apartment that sells for $275,000 to $300,000. They also offer one-bedroom apartments for $450,000 to $550,000, two-bedroom apartments for $600,000 to the high $700,000s, and three-bedroom apartments for up to $995,000. While the prices may still be out of reach for some, the communal areas on the rooftop and ground floor help to offset the compact size of the apartments.
Nightingale Housing has a unique balloting process for selling their homes, with up to 20% of apartments pre-allocated to community housing providers and another 20% allocated to a priority ballot for key community contributors. This process is designed to combat the unfairness of the property industry, which often favors the highest bidder. To date, Nightingale Housing has delivered 465 homes, with another 199 under construction and 499 more in planning.
The success of Nightingale Housing in Melbourne and Sydney has led to interest from political leaders in Queensland. The state Labor government is exploring the Nightingale model as part of their Homes for Queenslanders plan. They have established a State Facilitated Development Team to work with organizations like Nightingale, landowners, and developers to identify potential sites for affordable housing projects. The team is also leading inclusionary planning pilots that aim for around 20% affordable housing for low to moderate-income individuals or families.
Nightingale Housing has received support from various political leaders in Queensland, including Premier Steven Miles. They have engaged with potential partners in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, highlighting the growing need for affordable housing solutions in these areas. The success of Nightingale Housing’s innovative approach to affordable housing has the potential to make a significant impact on the housing landscape in Queensland and beyond.
