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Canberra has a rental affordability problem, and HomeGround is part of the solution. Enquire nowAffordable Rental Eligibility
Canberra has a rental affordability problem, and HomeGround is part of the solution. Our unique approach ensures that tenants have access to quality homes while benefiting from our dedicated support services. We understand the challenges that all renters face in the current market, and we strive to create a supportive environment where you can thrive.
In order to be eligible for an affordable rental, you must:
- be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident.
- be able to verify your identity.
- not own any assets or property which could reasonably be expected to resolve your housing need.
- in general, be at least 18 years of age.
- have income between the limits specified for individual properties.
In addition:
- One of the key requirements is that your rent-to-income ratio must not exceed 30%. This means the rent for the property must be no more than 30% of your total household income.
- Eligibility criteria will be reassessed every 12 months.
Hear from Melissa, a HomeGround Canberra tenant
A rare find in a tight market: how one single mother secured an affordable rental in Canberra
Three months ago, Melissa walked into a Narrabundah rental house managed by Canberra affordable real estate agency HomeGround Real Estate Canberra, and knew it was the one.
The single mother of two boys had been looking for some time, watching Canberra’s rental rates continue to rise, but clear that she wanted a quality long-term home for her family.
“All my family and friends knew I was between a rock and a hard place, but at the same time, I wanted to move to a home that was an upgrade, and one I could love.”
After looking at many rentals, Melissa found the property through HomeGround Canberra, one of the few licensed not-for-profit real estate agencies in the ACT. Established by community housing provider CHC Australia, HomeGround partners with private landlords to deliver secure, professionally-managed homes at more than 25 per cent below market rent. Eligible landlords are able to access an ACT land tax exemption and other incentives, enabling them to maintain a sound commercial investment while directly supporting the charitable cause of affordable housing.
Melissa estimates a comparable three-bedroom rental would have cost her around $800 a week.
“I was looking for a while and saw HomeGround. I thought it would take a miracle (securing the Narrabundah house), but the looking paid off, and it was a very smooth process with HomeGround – an open and honest conversation.”
“I’m grateful the owners put it on the (HomeGround) website. I think more owners should look at it as a way to lower their costs, and because it makes a difference to a family in such a massive way.”
The home has room for her boys aged 12 and 16, along with air-conditioning, ducted heating, a garden, larger living space and a dishwasher – additions that would have likely been foregone in the open rental market, and a step up from the townhouse they had lived in.
“We’ll hang on to this as long as we can. It’s near great shops and close to the lake – a central location for all our needs.”
Melissa found it difficult to absorb the rental rises in her previous home, from $500 a week in 2021 to $580 in late 2025, though she was conscious the rent could have increased even more given the competition for rentals in Canberra, and how much the average market price had increased.
“There were at least 40 people at affordable open-for-inspections, and I noticed a growing number of single mums.”
The affordable rental allows Melissa to work part-time. “I’m grateful – I can spend a bit more on food, the bills aren’t as alarming, and one of my boys said, ‘I can’t believe we’re in such a nice house.’ It’s taken a great weight off my shoulders.”
Income guidelines for ACT and NSW.
For further information please head to ACT Land Tax Exemption page.
Household Composition
We want to ensure that all our tenants are comfortable and able to live with dignity and respect. For this reason, we have guidelines for how many people can live within a certain sized home.
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