Think tank says ‘gentle density’ solution could unlock 1 million new homes
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The news: New data from public policy think tank the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) found that if governments increase so-called “gentle density” development, Australia could increase its housing supply by 9%.
The numbers: The CEDA research due for release on Tuesday found that the development of terraces, townhouses, low-rise apartments and dual occupancy in well-located and serviced areas of the country’s five largest cities could result in one million new homes, easing pricing pressures.
According to the ABC, the report estimated that the moderate-density approach would add around 12% more homes in Sydney, 15% more in Melbourne, 16% increases in Brisbane and Adelaide and a more than 17% increase in Perth.
The context: The report argued that the debate around housing is currently predominantly focused on "the extreme ends of the housing supply spectrum — high-density inner-city developments or new 'masterplanned' communities in sprawling outer suburban or regional areas" and overlooks the potential of medium-density housing.
"Australia's housing crisis has been decades in the making and requires action on many fronts," CEDA senior economist and report co-author Danika Adams said.
"But gentle density can deliver more housing in middle-ring neighbourhoods where people want to live, while making better use of existing infrastructure and transport networks."
In order to meet the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million well-located homes by 2029, set by the Commonwealth and state and territory governments, Australia needs to build 240,000 homes per year. The country has fallen short of this target every year since 2016.
The sources: ABC, Sydney Morning Herald
