Build-to-Rent

At the Suburban Land Agency (SLA), we work to offer housing choice for Canberrans, by fostering collaboration between communities, developers and government.

We are excited to be growing the range of available housing options by bringing the innovative Build-to-Rent model to Canberra.

Pilot Build-to-Rent with affordable rental

The SLA has released Block 3 Section 57 in Turner, in 2022-23, as a site to pilot Build-to-Rent with a minimum affordable rental component. This site was considered favourable during the market sounding process due to its size and proximity to the light rail and the CBD.

By bringing Build-to-Rent to Canberra, we are looking to: 

• increase the number of private rental properties in the ACT, particularly for the more affordable end of the rental market 
• grow the number of affordable rental options available 
• increase choice and housing diversity for renters, with homes that are specifically designed to meet renters’ needs 
• offer opportunities for tenants to establish themselves as part of a community and personalise their homes 

What is Build-to-Rent?

Build-to-Rent increases the supply of rental housing by the construction of multi-unit dwellings that are rented out rather than being sold.  It’s typically:

• owned long-term by a single owner, usually an institutional investor, with the goal of generating steady long-term income
• designed with high quality common spaces and homes plus extra services for residents, to attract tenants and support income generation

Market Sounding

In November 2021, the SLA undertook a market sounding process to seek feedback about bringing Build-to-Rent to Canberra. See our Listening Report below to understand what we heard.

• Build-to-Rent Market Sounding Listening Report
• Build-to-Rent Market Sounding Industry Briefing Video 

Want to know more?

More information is available in the ACT Government’s Build-to-Rent Prospectus, which sets out opportunities for Build-to-Rent investment in Canberra: www.treasury.act.gov.au/infrastructure-finance-and-reform/build-to-rent ​

Interested in hearing more about Build-to-Rent releases? Please register your interest by subscribing to the Suburban Land Agency mailing list here.

How does this fit in with the other work of the SLA?

See our Housing Strategic Action Plan to understand more about how our work on Build-to-Rent fits in with our other actions.

Build-to-Rent offers additional rental supply, including affordable rental options. We will continue to investigate how we can create opportunities for Build-to-Rent in the ACT.