Evolve Housing Vic is a registered Housing Provider, which means that we are allowed to provide community housing to people in need in Victoria.

Social housing

Community housing is a type of social housing. Social housing is subsidised housing that is available for people who are on low incomes that may otherwise face homelessness or seriously struggle to access private market rentals. Social housing is divided into two categories, with the main difference being the organisation that is managing the housing – there is community housing (which is run by Housing Providers like Evolve Housing Vic) and also public housing (which is run by the Victorian government agencies like Homes Victoria).

Regardless of which type of social housing they live in, social housing tenants typically pay a rent that is 25 to 30 per cent of their combined gross income.

To be placed into social housing, you need to apply through the Victorian government, and meet certain eligibility criteria (relating to income, residency, and assets). After you undergo this process, you will be placed onto the Victorian Housing Register, and will likely have to wait until there is a vacancy in your preferred area.

Some applicants who are living in especially urgent or difficult circumstances may be placed into the Priority Access category on the list, which may allow them to access social housing faster. People who may be placed into this category include: those who are homeless and receiving support; those who are escaping or have escaped family violence; people with a disability or significant support needs; and people who need to move for health reasons.

For more information about social housing, or to apply to be on the Victorian Housing Register, click here.

Affordable housing

Affordable housing is a secure housing option for low-to-moderate income households, and is priced so that residents are able to meet their other basic living costs.

There are numerous affordable housing schemes that are funded by all levels of government (Councils, state government and federal government) and private companies.

Unlike social housing, affordable housing tenants do not have to be on the Victorian Housing Register and can apply directly to the property they wish to live in.

Affordable housing applicants do need to meet certain eligibility criteria, which differs depending on the scheme they are applying for. Typically, income limits are higher for affordable housing than they are for social housing.

Generally, the rent for affordable housing properties is set as a percentage of the market rent for an equivalent property in the same area. The percentage usually varies from around 75%-90% depending on the specific affordable housing scheme.

Evolve Housing’s wholly owned subsidiary, EchoRealty Vic, manages an affordable housing portfolio of over 100 properties in the suburb of Moonee Ponds, Victoria. You can learn more about EchoRealty’s properties at www.echorealty.com.au/vic