Innovative Partnership Brings Unique Property Opportunity to Australians
In an era where homeownership is increasingly out of reach for many, a surprising partnership between Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate and the registered charity Platypus Impact Housing is turning heads. Together, they’ve introduced a new initiative in Hurstville, NSW, that helps Australians get on the property ladder and supports affordable housing efforts.
This collaboration offers nine apartments, priced between $925,000 and $1,150,000, under a scheme that provides financial benefits many would say sound too good to be true. Yet, it’s entirely legitimate and could redefine how Australians think about property investment.
Making Homeownership More Accessible
The goal of the program is to remove common barriers to homeownership. For instance, buyers who can save a 10% deposit are offered a matching 10% interest-free loan. The real kicker? After three years, that loan is forgiven entirely – essentially gifting buyers up to $115,000.
The initiative also includes benefits for those looking to rent out the property. Buyers are asked to lease the property for three years at a 25.1% discount below market rent. The upside? That discount can be claimed as a tax deduction, easing the financial burden further.
The partnership offers another creative solution for Australians struggling to meet a 10% deposit. Buyers with just 5% saved can access an interest-free loan for the remaining 15% of their deposit. This loan doesn’t require repayments for 10 years, while buyers retain 100% of their rental income and tax benefits.
How the Charity Benefits
Platypus Impact Housing doesn’t walk away empty-handed, either. In exchange for their financial support, the charity receives a share of the property’s capital gain, proportional to the deposit they helped fund. For example, if they contribute 15% of the deposit, they’ll receive 15% of the capital gain when the property is sold.
It’s a model that allows everyone to benefit – buyers secure property ownership while the charity builds funding for its broader affordable housing programs.
“A Game-Changer for Buyers and Communities”
Michael Sloan of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, a key figure in this collaboration, describes the initiative as a “game-changer” for buyers. “For decades, we’ve helped Australians navigate the property market, and this partnership takes things to a new level. It’s about creating a win-win – buyers secure a property with incredible financial benefits, and the charity gains resources to continue their vital work in affordable housing.”
The initiative also reflects the growing trend of “impact investing,” where individuals and organizations aim to generate both financial returns and positive social impact.
A Limited Opportunity
With only nine apartments available in this first offering, interest is expected to be high. For those who’ve felt priced out of the property market, this could be the chance they’ve been waiting for.
While critics may raise eyebrows at the concept, it’s hard to argue with the program’s potential to help buyers and communities. It’s a rare example of real estate innovation that truly serves individual and collective good.
Interested buyers are encouraged to learn more about this unique opportunity before it’s gone.
Contact for Further Information:
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
Michael Sloan
0417 577 597
This partnership isn’t just about selling homes – it’s about rethinking what’s possible in the housing market. Whether it’s a one-off or the start of a broader trend remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this is an opportunity worth exploring.
Disclaimer: The opinions posted within this blog are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, others employed by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate or the organisations with which the network is affiliated. The author takes full responsibility for his opinions and does not hold Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate or any third party responsible for anything in the posted content. The author freely admits that his views may not be the same as those of his colleagues, or third parties associated with the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate network.