The Malinauskas Labor Government is addressing the gap between traditional detached homes and larger apartment buildings by bringing back 'missing middle' housing that can be built across Adelaide.
Missing middle housing is the range of low-rise, medium-density home types - like duplexes, manor homes and small apartment buildings - that fit between a single detached house and a large apartment tower, delivering smaller, well-designed options within established suburbs while maintaining neighbourhood character and supporting affordability.
In recent decades, national building codes have made it easier to build detached houses and large apartment buildings but put restrictions on types of housing in between.
From the street, these new developments will appear as townhouses or large manor homes. However, they are thoughtfully designed apartments in a "one up, one down" configuration, providing low-density, two-bedroom homes.
The homes are designed to blend more naturally into existing streetscapes providing an alternative affordable housing option for people who may not wish to live in high-rise apartment buildings or move to outer growth areas.
The SA Housing Trust is piloting a 'manor house' development in Blair Athol, with a new complex approved by the State Commission Assessment Panel last week. These homes will be available for private ownership through the Malinauskas Government's Rent to Own scheme.
All homes include off-street parking for residents and visitors, helping to reduce congestion that parked cars can create on suburban streets. The design improves the flow of foot traffic around homes, with staircases directly to upstairs apartments, with no central staircases.
Upper-level homes will have generous balconies, while ground-floor units feature private courtyards.
Ground-floor homes are accessible, and a shared on-site greenspace/community garden promotes outdoor activity and wellbeing
The initiative is being developed collaboratively with industry, including the Housing Industry Association (HIA), Master Builders Association (MBA), private sector builders and the State Planning Commission.
This work has been made possible through the creation of the Department for Housing and Urban Development, and bringing planning, public housing and urban renewal under one ministerial portfolio through the Premier's Housing Roadmap.
This initiative will enable future use of these designs by the private sector, community housing providers, and government agencies.
As put by Nick Champion
Missing Middle homes will give South Australians a genuine new option to live affordably in the suburbs they know and love.
This type of housing is perfect affordable option for first homebuyers or South Australians looking to downsize at a modest price.
This is another example of our government refusing to put something in the 'too hard basket' and instead, innovating to increase housing supply and build more homes, faster.
We want South Australian builders to look at these homes and see the opportunity to build more just like them.
