Delivering affordable housing at scale requires inventive thinking and collaboration between government, community housing providers, and the private sector.
In Perth, this is being advanced through DevelopmentWA’s affordable and social housing program, supported by the Housing Australia Future Fund and aligned with the Western Australian State Government’s commitment to increase the supply of new homes.
The program will deliver 14 build-to-rent (BTR) projects across three stages, divided up into three packages for the appointed builders, with a focus on cost-effective delivery while maintaining high standards of quality, liveability, and sustainability. Once complete, these homes will be handed over to appointed Community Housing Providers to manage, ensuring those on lower incomes (affordable housing) or in need of social housing to have access to safe, connected places to call home while fostering vibrant communities across the city.
Independent cost management underpinned by digital innovation
In 2025, WT was appointed by DevelopmentWA to provide cost management and quantity surveying services on the program, bringing independent advice and assurance from feasibility through to completion. From the outset, we have worked alongside appointed builders EMCO and project managers Bridge42 on one of the program’s major packages, which includes six BTR projects across Woodbridge, Rivervale, Redcliffe, Cannington, Malaga, and Midland.
Our role began with reviewing business case cost plans, benchmarking, and testing assumptions to confirm financial viability. To strengthen financial oversight, we are also implementing a digital dashboard to track construction costs in real time. This provides clear reporting, integrates costs with program milestones, and enables smarter decision-making with greater transparency across the portfolio.
Delivering long-term community benefit
DevelopmentWA’s affordable and social housing program is an important step toward addressing housing needs across the city. Over the coming years, the six projects being built by EMCO, and the broader program of 14 BTR developments, will be progressively delivered. We’re proud to be supporting numerous social and affordable housing projects, helping create thousands of new homes for Western Australians.
