After just one day on the market, all but one of the 14 affordable apartments available as part of a new $10 million development in Bowden sold, demonstrating huge confidence in the market and a surge in South Australians wanting to get into homeownership.
The not-for-profit Nightingale Bowden development will support 700 jobs and is a partnership between the Marshall Liberal Government, community housing provider Housing Choices and developer Nightingale Housing.
A total of 13 apartments sold in just one day, the final apartment sold in two weeks. All one-and-two bedroom apartments sold off-the-plan between $312,000 and $400,000 to eligible South Australians.
A ballot process for these apartments was undertaken by Nightingale, with applicants required to agree to unconditional contracts due to the oversubscribed ballot.
Of the 34 apartments in total, 20 are being retained by Housing Choices Australia for affordable and specialist disability housing rental.
Construction is set to begin the second half of 2021.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the quick apartment sales represented a huge vote of confidence in this project and affordable housing.
"The fact that these affordable apartments quite literally flew out the door shows a clear need for this type of housing for South Australians wanting to get their foot in the door of homeownership," said Minister Lensink.
"This development demonstrates the need and desire for this type of housing – close to the city, sustainable, community focused and more affordable.
"Recognising a clear need for more affordable housing, the Marshall Liberal Government has a strong $400 million plan to build 1000 new affordable homes by 2025 so we can empower and support more South Australians into their own homes."
Nightingale Bowden apartments will be carbon neutral in operation and will boast minimum 5 Star Green Star and 7.5 Nationwide House Energy (NatHERS) ratings.
Nightingale Housing founder Jeremy McLeod said the development is the first in South Australia for Melbourne-based Nightingale Housing.
"Nightingale Housing is happy to announce that all of the available apartments were allocated in a single day through a ballot process," said Mr McLeod.
"Around 20 per cent of the homes have been allocated to people we define as 'key community contributors' whose occupations are essential to the functioning of cities, but who are typically on fixed, low to moderate or casual wages.
"With a clear demand for more affordable and sustainable homes in Adelaide, we hope to return with a second project soon. It is a privilege to be able to collaborate with Housing Choices SA and the South Australian Government to deliver better housing for South Australians."
For more information about this project and to register your interest in possible future projects visit www.nightingalehousing.org.
For more information about living at Bowden visit www.lifemoreinteresting.com.au.
