Affordable Housing under National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS)
The National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) is an Australian Government initiative, delivered in partnership with the States and Territories, to stimulate the supply of new affordable, privately-owned rental dwellings.
NRAS seeks to address the shortage of affordable rental housing across the nation by renting dwellings to low and moderate income households at a rate that is at least 20 percent below the market value rent.
Dwellings range from studio apartments right through to family homes, and are located where affordable rental accommodation is most needed, especially in areas where employment, schools and other services are available nearby, eligibility criteria apply.
To be eligible to apply for affordable housing under the NRAS scheme, your household income must meet the following index:
Initial Household Income Limits for the 2020/21
| 2020/21 NRAS Year | Initial Income Limit ($) |
| First adult | 52,324 |
| First adult – sole parent | 55,034 |
| Each additional adult | 20,017 |
| Each child* | 17,357 |
*Child means a person under 18 years of age who is financially dependent on an eligible tenant. If a person under 18 years of age is financially independent, they are considered an adult for NRAS purposes.
| Household composition | Initial income limit ($) |
| One adult | 52,324 |
| Two adults | 72,341 |
| Three adults | 92,358 |
| Four adults | 112,375 |
| Sole parent + 1 child | 72,391 |
| Sole parent + 2 children | 89,748 |
| Sole parent + 3 children | 107,105 |
| Couple + 1 child | 89,698 |
| Couple + 2 children | 107,055 |
| Couple + 3 children | 124,412 |