An Affordable Housing Negotiation Calculator: identifying feasible opportunities for voluntary agreements

Abstract

Rapid increases in housing costs, stagnant wage growth and limited government funding have created a housing affordability crisis in many cities, including Australia’s. Unlike elsewhere in the world where affordable housing contributions are secured through inclusionary zoning or other planning processes, the Australian context is largely devoid of any mandatory requirements for affordable housing provision in new development. Recent changes to legislation in Victoria have enabled planners to negotiate with developers to secure voluntary affordable housing contributions by offering alternative incentives. However, the lack of financial literacy and understanding of development feasibility an..