Housing Minister Peter Tinley and Energy Minister Bill Johnston today announced an affordable housing experiment between Mirvac, Synergy and Keystart.
Mirvac will construct a $415,000 three-bedroom, two-bathroom net-zero energy terrace home at Iluma Private Estate in Bennett Springs.
The home will be built to an 8.4-star energy rating, taking into account various energy saving initiatives, including solar passive design and energy efficient appliances.
Synergy will provide solar panels and a battery, to further reduce the energy requirements of the home.
The family's energy, water use and lifestyle will be monitored over the 12-month period to better understand the cost savings that can be achieved by living in an energy-efficient home.
One lucky Western Australian family will be invited to live in the home for 12-months, but they must be able to qualify for Keystart to apply and take part in the experiment.
The family chosen to live in the home will have rental payments set aside and saved by Mirvac, which can then be used towards a deposit to purchase the home at the end of the experiment.
The successful family will move into the home in March 2020, when the 12-month study will commence.
For more information, visit https://iluma.mirvac.com/affordabilityexperiment
As stated by Housing Minister Peter Tinley:
"The McGowan Government's METRONET Social and Affordable Housing and Jobs Package, as well as its Affordable Housing Action Plan and recent changes to Keystart's low deposit lending regime are all designed to help people achieve home ownership.
"The provision of more housing options, higher quality homes and dwellings that use environmentally sustainable, energy efficient and innovative design principles are all part of the mix of housing product that the State Government wants for Western Australia.
"Mirvac are to be congratulated for stepping up and taking on the challenge."
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
"Renewable energy is an excellent way for residential customers to better manage their energy consumption and lower their bills.
"We are thrilled Synergy has become involved in this project; the data gathered will provide valuable insight into the family's energy consumption and help them get the best cost-savings out of their solar and battery."
As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Bennett Springs is a growing community which is set to benefit from its proximity to the coming Morley-Ellenbrook Line - making it a great place for this innovative project.
"The McGowan Government is focused on fostering connected, liveable communities through METRONET and our work to modernise WA's planning system.
"Affordable, innovative housing options such as this will complement this work and we commend Mirvac for their forward-thinking approach in this space."
Housing Minister's office - 6552 5300
Energy Minister's office - 6552 6700
