2026 National Housing Research Program revealed

Affordable housing future: a housing systems approach

Drawing on Australian and international experiences, this Inquiry analyses how current and potential affordable housing supply interventions interconnect with affordability outcomes at a housing systems level. Combining systems theory, economics, planning, political science and geography, the Inquiry delivers actionable insights on the strategic role of affordable housing in Australia.

Led by Christian Nygaard, University of New South Wales.

This Inquiry is supported by research projects on:

Unpacking affordable housing: an Australian and international policy review

This project examines the conceptualisation, definition, delivery and operation of affordable housing across Australia and internationally. Combining policy document analysis, expert interviews and a policy workshop, the project identifies policy settings that could optimise affordable housing's contribution to addressing Australia's housing policy goals.

Led by Catherine Gilbert, University of Sydney.

Establishing the national affordable housing evidence-base: stock estimates, demand dynamics and rental impacts

This project delivers critical evidence to support affordable housing policy. It estimates the sector's size and distribution, analyses affordability stress dynamics among low- to moderate-income renters, and tests rent-setting models. Addressing key data gaps, it generates robust empirical evidence to understand affordable housing's strategic role within Australia's housing system.

Led by Piret Veeroja, Swinburne University.

Aligning affordable housing with occupant needs: scaling and diversifying affordable housing programs

Drawing on the lived experience of affordable housing occupants, this project identifies the alignment of products, delivered under recent affordable housing programs, with their needs. The project identifies where mismatch in housing characteristics might undermine the systemic and strategic functions of affordable housing in reducing pressure on low-cost market housing.

Led by Ryan van den Nouwelant, University of New South Wales.

First Nations-led house building in Australia: construction technologies, supply outcomes and future opportunities

This project charts existing and emergent Indigenous-led housing construction across diverse communities nationally. An Indigenous Knowledge methodology will facilitate collection and analysis of case study data, identifying modes of construction, dwelling types, community capacity, and institutional barriers and opportunities for the growth of Indigenous pathways in building and construction.

Led by John Evans, Swinburne University of Technology.

Culturally grounded, self-determined approaches to Indigenous housing on reclaimed boodja (Country) in WA and NSW

This Aboriginal-led project will develop a policy-ready framework for achieving sustainable, self-determined housing outcomes on reclaimed boodja (Country). Using Indigenous methodologies, the project will engage with urban and rural communities in WA and NSW, responding to questions that reflect priorities, strengths and aspirations of Elders, families and young people.

Led by Naama Blatman, University of New South Wales.

Quality and appropriate housing for people with disability: improving delivery and access

This investigative panel will critically examine how systems and practices across the housing and disability support sectors are being recalibrated in response to nation-wide reforms. The outcomes will offer policymakers and industry practitioners actionable, evidence-based recommendations and best-practice examples to enhance appropriate housing delivery and access for people with disability.

Led by Adam Crowe, Curtin University.

Advancing systemic implementation of Housing First in Australia

This mixed-methods study examines how Housing First can be operationalised in Australia while maintaining fidelity and outcomes. It analyses Australian and international models, identifies system enablers and barriers, and co-develops monitoring, evaluation and learning principles through literature reviews, stakeholder interviews and expert panels to support nationwide implementation of the approach.

Led by Chris Hartley, University of New South Wales.

Harnessing global Insights on housing affordability and density: implications for Australian policy

Housing affordability and housing density have been central challenges for Australian and global policymakers. This project uses data, literature, policy surveys, scenario analysis, and engagement with experts and practitioners to identify insights for Australian policymakers from the diverse range of policies, systems, and housing outcomes across global cities.

Led by Daniel Melser, Monash University.

Finding space for homes: a geospatial framework to support infill housing policy

This project delivers a policy-focused geospatial framework to identify and prioritise vacant residential land for infill housing. By uncovering where underutilised capacity exists and diagnosing regulatory barriers, the research provides actionable evidence to inform subdivision reform and support the National Housing Accord’s goal of delivering more well-located homes.

Led by Jorge Ochoa Paniagua, Adelaide University.

Local government authorities' role in homelessness policy and services: barriers and growth opportunities

This research will identify how local government can help tackle homelessness. Using case studies, it will examine Local Government Authorities' (LGA) initiatives and outcomes for people experiencing homelessness. It will identify financial, governmental and regulatory requirements and barriers, and draws lessons from these case studies for other LGAs.

Led by Karien Dekker, RMIT University.

Headleasing and its role in Australia’s social and affordable housing sector

Headleasing can contribute to the rapid supply of housing, but its scale, costs and service impacts are under-researched due to fragmented state-level data. This project will map headleasing nationally and use mixed methods to analyse its impacts across different rental submarkets, generating new insights into headleasing’s utility and effectiveness.

Led by Hazel Blunden, University of New South Wales.

Prospects for rent to buy in Australia

This project will investigate the policy potential of rent-to-buy schemes in Australia, combining international reviews, stakeholder interviews, discrete choice experiments, and structured workshops to assess scheme feasibility, preferences, and design options that could support wider uptake and equitable access to home ownership.

Led by Akshay Vij, Adelaide University.

Financial risk reduction interventions to boost housing supply: policy levers and impacts

This project will examine the risks assumed by key stakeholders in the residential development process, including developers, landowners, lenders and building contractors, and assess how government interventions can mitigate risk for each stakeholder and the extent to which these interventions could stimulate new housing supply.

Led by Lyndall Bryant, Queensland University of Technology.

From towers to townhouses: comparative analysis of costs and obligations in strata living

This project examines the comparative costs, and legal, governance and tax obligations of various strata models, including those with mixed social and private tenures. It identifies key challenges facing strata living including sustainability and affordability, and the opportunities for practical reform to enhance governance, maintenance and liveability.

Led by Rebecca Leshinsky, RMIT University.

Older Australians in private housing: modelling policy levers to improve housing outcomes

As more older Australians retire without owning a home, understanding how housing markets impact wellbeing is critical. This project will use empirical analysis and life-cycle modelling to examine the links between housing costs, income support and wellbeing. It will quantify poverty risks and simulate reforms to support vulnerable older Australians.

Led by Kadir Atalay, The University of Sydney.

Rental stock dynamics in Australia: building an evidence base for policy action

This project will analyse Australia’s rental stock dynamics using innovative spatial and econometric methods. By linking rental bond, housing and population data, it will identify drivers of stock change, and test policy levers to improve rental market stability, affordability and equity, providing vital evidence to inform national and state housing strategies.

Led by Alan Duncan, Curtin University.

Risk of homelessness in Australia: new data for policy development and evaluation

Using HILDA and Census data this research will produce updated and improved estimates of the population at-risk of homelessness at multiple spatial scales and explore change over time. An advisory panel will shape exploratory analysis with existing homelessness indicators and explore implications for homelessness policy and its evaluation.

Led by Deb Batterham, Swinburne University of Technology.