Victoria is leading Australia in building new homes, while also implementing the Livable Housing Design Standard, according to a new report out today commissioned by the Summer Foundation and authored by YIMBY Melbourne.
The report examines the fact that Victoria — which has implemented the Livable Housing Design Standard without exemptions — is on track to reach 98% of its housing supply target under the National Housing Accord. In contrast, NSW (which has not committed to the LHDS) is on track for only 65% of its target.
This is evidence that it is possible to meet the goals of building more homes at lower cost, while also ensuring they are accessible for all Australians.
How is Victoria doing it? The report finds that Victoria’s success in housing supply comes from focusing on the things that really matter when it comes to housing supply. Victoria’s planning system facilitates more housing supply more cheaply, creating a positive spiral that keeps construction costs relatively low. Because of this, it is easier for builders to incorporate livability standards without compromising project feasibility.
The key insight is that the LHDS has a marginal impact on construction costs. If you care about housing affordability, it makes much more sense to focus on the things that actually matter, rather than scapegoat accessibility standards.
The full report is available here in PDF format.