The completion of 23 new affordable homes for seniors at Boyanup and Dardanup was celebrated last week at the official opening of Access Housing’s South West Ageing in Place Housing Pilot Projects.
The new homes feature a mix of two and three bedroom villas that were delivered primarily to offer local seniors the opportunity to ‘right size’ into affordable housing options better suited to their needs without having to leave their home town.
Nine new villas at Boyanup reached completion in May this year and 14 more were completed at Dardanup in June.
Each of the new Independent Living Units include special livable housing design features to suit residents’ abilities and changing needs and provide at least a gold level of accessibility.
Two villas at each development provide a platinum level of accessibility. The homes also feature high quality fittings and finishes as well as solar passive design choices to reduce energy costs.
Access Housing chief executive officer Garry Ellender said he was proud to have tangible increased the supply of suitable and affordable housing options for South West seniors.
“It is well documented that we have an ageing population in Western Australia, and it is certainly the case within the South West with there being a growing number of residents aged 55 and over,” Mr Ellender said.
“As people grow older there is often the need to find housing more suited to their abilities and lifestyle, but options in some regional areas have been limited. As a result, local retirees have traditionally had to either remain in their existing home or leave their community to find housing more appropriate for their needs.
“The ‘ageing in place’ concept inspires delivery of built for purpose housing for seniors so they can continue residing within their home town as they age.
“There are a number of wellbeing benefits that come with ‘ageing in place’ including the ongoing enjoyment of existing social, health and family support networks within the residents’ local community.”
South West Development Commission acting chief executive officer Rebecca Ball said the state government agency was pleased to play a role in the delivery of the South West Ageing in Place Housing Pilot.
“By boosting the stock of affordable and appropriate housing for the region’s older residents, we are providing more opportunities for people to stay living in the places they call home – close to their support network – as their needs change with age,” she said.
Access Housing has retained seven of the new villas at each project for affordable rental purposes, with the remaining nine available for sale.
Three original villas at the Boyanup site will also undergo modern refurbishments before being made available for sale.
For more information about home purchase opportunities within either of these developments, prospective purchasers can contact Access Housing Realty on 9430 0980.
Proceeds generated through the sale of villas within the developments will be rolled forward to help fund the construction of additional new affordable homes for seniors in the South West.