new houses & land Realising the dream HOME ownership is the dream of most Australians, and to help Canberrans realise that dream, the Affordable Housing Action Plan has been developed, according to the multi-award-winning Land Development Agency (LDA), which develops and sells land on behalf of the ACT Government. As part of that plan, the ACT Government has brought record numbers of dwelling sites to market with more than 12,000 sites having been released over the last three years. Another 17,000 are planned for the next four years, a record since the ACT achieved self-government in 1989. Not all sites will be greenfield developments: of the sites to be released, 40 per cent will be for urban infill, with the remaining 60 per cent new estates. Over the next 12 months land will be released in Bonner, Wright, Coombs, Ngunnawal and Casey. While many Canberrans continue to prefer the traditional free-standing house on a suburban block, there is a growing demand for more medium and higher-density housing options, and the LDA plans to work with the community to develop high quality urban infill developments to help contain the growing urban sprawl. As part of the Affordable Action Housing Plan, the ACT Government has recently increased the mandated level of affordable housing in all new greenfield developments to 20 per cent, up from the previous 15 per cent. One of the initiatives of the Affordable Housing Action Plan is the Land Rent Scheme. Under this scheme, Canberrans are able to rent the land on which they build their home, reducing the amount they need to borrow. More information on www.lda.act.gov.au, wwwactaffordablehousing.com.au or call 1800 777 952.
26 CityNews August 5-11
advertising feature Get innovative
Houses for all budgets SOLID Constructions build houses to suit all budgets and lifestyles, according to principals Mark Porreca and Corey Karl: from compact, energy-efficient first homes or investment Solid Constructions’ properties through to display home at Bonner. executive homes. All homes are individually designed to the exacting requirements of the home seeker, they say. “All homes built by Solid Constructions are carefully and meticulously constructed by a builder whose hands-on approach has made them a first choice by Canberra home seekers, and established a most enviable reputation within the industry.” Between them, Mark and Corey have more than 36 years’ worth of building experience. More information at www.solidconstructions. com.au or call 6242 9185.
INNOVATIVE Building Projects, founded by brothers Miko and Dane Kasunic, says it occupies an exclusive niche within the construction industry as a premium designer and builder of new homes, extensions, multi-unit developments and commercial projects. The company says its dedication to high-quality design and construction is paramount, whether working on a low-budget project or high-cost residence with complex technical specifications. More information at www. ibp.net.au or call 6162 3635.
Both ends of the spectrum LIFE’S busy at PBS Homes, says sales manager Angela Penhallow – the awardwinning builder is involved with projects from affordable homes to luxury homes, commercial projects and everything in between. “We’re principally concerned with design and construction of homes. It’s across the A former display home by board: we help people PBS Homes, in Forde.
with moderate incomes with housing, and are part of the [Land Development Agency’s] OwnPlace scheme. “We also build luxury homes for individual clients. So our market’s across the board, depending on lifestyle requirements and budget constraints.” PBS Homes has been building in the Canberra area for more than 35 years, and is a family-owned company. “Our commercial arm has seen us involved with major projects such as the War Memorial, the apARTments at New Acton and more.” More information at www.pbspropertygroup.com.au or call 6101 9800.