Our Model
Who We Serve
Our housing is designed for people who live or work in the Shoalhaven — with a focus on essential workers, young families, and long-term locals who are struggling to secure a stable place to live. Each project aims to support those most affected by rising housing costs and create opportunities for locals to remain in the communities they already belong to.
mixed tenure development
Better Futures Shoalhaven has developed a not-for-profit model for land-based housing that prioritises people over profit. The approach brings together planning, partnerships, and delivery pathways for mixed-tenure communities that include affordable ownership, community-managed rentals, and, where appropriate, limited market-rate homes to boost housing supply.
housing options
homeownership
We work with trusted local builders to create turnkey homes within our developments. Through shared equity home ownership, we help bridge the deposit gap and make home ownership more affordable for Shoalhaven residents.
Community Housing Rental
A portion of homes will be retained as affordable rentals, managed in partnership with a local community housing provider. These homes will offer secure, stable tenancies while supporting long-term affordability within each community.
Market-Based Sales
Some lots are sold to the open market to support project viability. These sales help fund affordability initiatives and increase the overall supply of housing in the Shoalhaven.
landowner partnerships
We partner with landowners who want their land to deliver long-term community benefit. The model supports different forms of collaboration depending on each landowner’s goals, level of involvement, and vision for their site.
As first projects take shape, engagement is focused on landowners who share the same purpose. For those wishing to stay involved, transparent partnership structures are being established to align interests with a not-for-profit approach. For those preferring to sell, pathways are being explored for mission-aligned investors to acquire suitable sites and help deliver affordable housing outcomes for the Shoalhaven.
Responsible Development
Planning and delivery for future projects is coordinated with a focus on quality, liveability, and long-term community benefit.
Through collaboration with experienced professionals, including local builders, architects, planners, and consultants, projects will be designed to respond to local needs and reflect the character of the Shoalhaven.
Environmental responsibility is key to the approach. The aim is thoughtful site planning, protection of key natural features where possible, with the inclusion of accessible green spaces. Each project considers sustainable land use, climate resilience, and infrastructure that supports healthy, connected communities.
By embedding social and environmental values throughout the process, the goal is to help create more than housing, fostering stronger, more sustainable neighbourhoods across the Shoalhaven.
A Local Model, Built for Impact
Our model is built around the needs of the Shoalhaven community, guided by local values and a focus on lasting affordability. By reinvesting value created through development back into the region, we’re able to support a mix of housing outcomes that strengthen local communities and keep affordability within reach.
This reinvestment takes several forms. Shared equity homeownership helps local buyers overcome deposit and lending barriers, while community housing partnerships expand the supply of affordable rental homes. Together, these outcomes create balanced, mixed-tenure neighbourhoods where more people can live, work, and build their future in the Shoalhaven
homeownership
Buying a home in today’s market can feel out of reach, especially for essential workers and young families. We offer a more attainable pathway through a shared equity model designed to reduce the upfront cost of owning a home.
- Eligible buyers receive equity support of up to 40% of the home’s purchase price, reducing the amount they need to borrow from the bank.
- Buyers contribute a small deposit and take out a standard home loan for the remaining portion.
- The buyer owns the home in full, with the shared equity held in the background (no interest on the supported portion).
- When the home is sold or refinanced, the shared equity contribution is repaid — allowing that support to be recycled into more affordable homes for others.
Looking Ahead
Better Futures Shoalhaven is growing its network and welcomes collaboration from anyone who shares a commitment to the region. Whether you’re a landowner, investor, professional partner, or local resident, there’s a role to play in building a more inclusive and affordable Shoalhaven.
Together, we can create housing and community outcomes that reflect the best of our region — fair, thoughtful, and future-focused.