ECHOREALTY: Leaders in Affordable Housing

Imagining

More. Offering More.

Improving Lives.

Introducing EchoRealty

EchoRealty NSW & ACT Limited (ERNAL) and EchoRealty Vic Limited (ERVL) are specialist affordable housing entities within the Evolve Housing Group. As licensed real estate agencies, we operate with a profit-for-purpose mindset, focusing on affordable and key worker housing property management.

Formally established in 2017, we are one of the largest affordable housing providers in NSW and are passionate about helping people achieve their property goals, whether it’s through renting, developing or investing.

With a dedicated team of Property Managers, EchoRealty provides high-quality affordable housing properties and general property management services to property owners and tenants in New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory. We manage properties for private investors, developers, councils, not-for-profit organisations and institutional investors. Our portfolio includes Affordable Housing, Essential Worker affordable housing and private market housing.

We are committed to providing high level customer service to make your property experience as smooth, transparent and successful as possible. Our aim is to help people find the perfect rental home that’s within their budget and suits their needs.

happiness is a home

A Journey of Inspirational Growth

THE EVOLUTION OF A PROFIT-FOR-PURPOSE REAL ESTATE AGENCY

EchoRealty’s exceptional growth reflects an inspiring story of determination and innovation—and an unwavering commitment to excellence. EchoRealty is the first agency in NSW specialising in affordable housing. Since its launch in 2017, EchoRealty has been a success story for Evolve Housing, growing its portfolio of affordable housing from 633 dwellings to 1,811 in 2023 —a growth of 186% in six years.

This success is bound in a powerful vision, driven by a committed, adaptable and client-centric team, led by Charlie Souma. As a profit-for-purpose real estate agency, EchoRealty’s business model combines delivering high-quality property management services for both general investors and affordable housing investors with the objective of creating positive social impact.

The EchoRealty team understands that each client’s needs are unique, focusing on delivering solutions tailored to individual preferences. Our staff apply active listening and genuine empathy to build trust and loyalty with both our clients and our property owners. This unique approach has been crucial in helping us to grow our network of satisfied clients and referrals.

Unlike traditional real estate agents, EchoRealty’s profits are reinvested to create more social and affordable housing and to fund social support programs. EchoRealty’s client-centric approach and exceptional standards of customer service are key to our values and continuing our successs.

EchoRealty is committed to providing safe, stable and secure affordable housing.

Alphington complex, Victoria

Bringing growth, ingenuity, and experience to market.

Investment and affordable housing

Operating as a profit-for-purpose business, EchoRealty is committed to providing safe, stable and affordable housing.

To help achieve this, our team works with developers and investors to increase the supply of affordable housing.

As of June 2023, EchoRealty manages over 1,800 properties across our portfolio. This includes 1,566 properties in New South Wales (of which 169 are owned by Evolve Housing Limited), 40 properties in the Australian Capital Territory and 205 in Victoria.

EchoRealty is part of the Evolve Housing Group, one of Australia’s largest Community Housing Providers (CHPs) with more than 25 years’ experience. As of June 2023, Evolve Housing manages more than 4,700 properties and supports over 11,000 residents.

All profits generated by EchoRealty are reinvested to grow the supply of social and affordable housing stock in Australia, and to fund community programs that support vulnerable people to overcome challenges and improve their lives.

Are you a property owner or investor?

We work with private and institutional investors and government bodies interested in growing the supply of affordable housing, helping them meet the legal requirements of affordable housing schemes. We manage the properties on their behalf and find the perfect tenants for each property.

Our unique real estate model provides:

• Advice on meeting the obligations of affordable housing programs

• Affordable housing property management services to assist you to meet your community’s needs.

• Expertise in creating integrated communities

• All fees earned and invested in providing more social and affordable housing and inclusion programs

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can invest in affordable housing, please call us on 1800 693 246 or email info@echorealty.com.au .

EchoRealty manages one of the largest Affordable Housing portfolios in Australia.

What is affordable housing?

Affordable housing is rental housing that is priced so that tenants are able to meet other basic living costs such as food clothing, transport, medical care and education.

Affordable housing is for low-to-moderate income households where tenants pay a percentage of market rent – typically between 74.9% to 80%, depending on who owns the property and its respective property program.

Affordable housing is typically owned by government, private investors, institutional investors, developers and not-for-profit organisations.

Affordable Housing Programs and leasing options eligibility criteria

To ensure that affordable housing is only being used by those who need it, we assess all applicants against income eligibility criteria. This income eligibility varies and is determined based on the assigned property program and leasing option.

The income limits can vary between different properties and homes located in more expensive suburbs, typically having higher thresholds. Generally, to be eligible to live in an EchoRealty home, a household must be considered low-to-moderate income earners, meaning household incomes must fall within certain ranges.

Every property listing we publish includes the relevant income ranges for their property program. These criteria are clearly addressed in property descriptions and our team are well versed in assisting prospective renters with any enquires they may have.

For any questions about property programs, please call us on 1800 693 246 or email info@echorealty.com.au.

Ethical Property Investment

At EchoRealty, we are passionate about delivering ethical property management. Your investment makes a difference and creates a positive social impact for our residents.

Ensuring safe, secure, and stable housing isn’t just a mission for us—it’s a transformative journey. Safe, secure and stable housing is fundamental to anyone’s wellbeing and EchoRealty is ready to help you with your investment in Affordable Housing. This great investment can lead to life changing outcomes for individuals and families struggling to find a place to call home.

Our goal is to enable more people in need to live in quality and affordable homes in thriving and inclusive communities. We successfully achieve this by reinvesting all profits into growing the supply of affordable housing while enhancing equality of opportunity and social inclusion for our residents.

Your investment into affordable housing could change someone’s life.

Savan’s Story client profile

Savan’s journey from a Kurdish migrant unable to work in her field as an engineer due to visa restrictions, to a woman rebuilding her life in a new country, encapsulates resilience and hope.

When she was 33 years old, Savan was married and stuck in a toxic relationship. During the COVID-19 lockdown in June 2020, Savan made the courageous decision to leave her husband. Savan went to Link2Home, a government statewide referral service assisting homeless people and those at risk of homelessness.

Savan declared she was homeless and was put in touch with DV West, a crisis accommodation, transitional housing service that supports women and children who are victims of abuse and domestic violence to find a home.

This was frightening for Savan who was in unfamiliar territory and wanted to create the new life she deserved. She began looking for properties and found three that best suited her. One was an affordable housing property advertised by EchoRealty. Savan applied and was over the moon when her application was approved.

In July 2020 Savan moved into her new home. “I will never forget the moment I was

told my application was approved. I was over the moon. I loved the place,” she said.

With a safe, affordable and secure roof over her head thanks to EchoRealty, Savan knew she had to take every opportunity and make the most of it. With the support of COVID-19 Centrelink payments, Savan enrolled to study English for academic purposes. Next, she went on to complete a course in community services and two months later found a job.

In April 2023, Savan moved out of EchoRealty’s affordable housing property because her and her new partner were financially comfortable to manage a mortgage and buy their own home.

“It’s beautiful to have something that is yours. Of course, a mortgage comes with more responsibility, but I wouldn’t have been here without the support of EchoRealty. That was an incredible lifechanging experience, and I am so grateful that there are services out there to help others in similar situations.”

I will never forget the moment I was told my application was approved.

Get in touch with us

If you’re interested in affordable housing, visit our website to learn more and see our available properties.

You can reach us on 1800 693 246 and speak to one of our friendly team members.

NSW OFFICE

9–13 Argyle Street

Parramatta NSW 2150

T. 1800 693 246

VICTORIA OFFICE

1/16 Holmes Road, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039

T. 1800 693 865

MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9am to 5pm

W. echorealty.com.au