$150M for Social Housing 2025 – What Matters Most?

The recent announcement regarding the $150M Crown lending facility for the Community Housing Funding Agency (CHFA) is a game-changer for social housing in New Zealand. This initiative levels the playing field between Kāinga Ora and Community Housing Providers (CHPs), allowing for greater financial viability and the potential for large-scale growth in affordable housing.

But with this funding comes responsibility. The real question is: What matters most in delivering successful social housing projects?

1. Financial Viability

Social housing must be sustainable in the long run. The ability to access lower-cost debt through CHFA is a major step forward, but projects must also be structured to ensure financial resilience. This means realistic budgeting, smart financing strategies, and partnerships with experienced delivery teams that can execute efficiently.

2. Energy-Efficient Homes

Warm, dry, and energy-efficient homes are not a luxury, they’re a necessity. Building homes with proper insulation, ventilation, and energy-efficient appliances reduces long-term costs for tenants and housing providers. This funding presents an opportunity to prioritize environmentally sustainable housing that lowers power bills and improves living conditions.

3. Common-Sense Designs

Good design is about more than aesthetics, it’s about functionality and efficiency. Housing projects should consider practical layouts, multi-use spaces, and adaptability for future needs. Smart design choices can reduce maintenance costs, improve tenant well-being, and make better use of available land.

4. Delivery Will Matter

Money alone doesn’t build houses, teams do. With a growing demand for social housing, the success of this initiative will depend on partnering with experienced, capable teams that can deliver high-quality homes on time and within budget. Execution is everything, and delays or cost overruns could undermine the potential of this funding.

5. Long-Term Maintenance Considerations

Building homes is just the beginning. Maintenance and durability must be factored in from the outset. Using high-quality materials, considering whole-of-life costs, and planning for ongoing upkeep will ensure that these homes remain safe, comfortable, and fit for purpose for decades to come.

Time to Build – Let’s Talk

This announcement is a significant step toward increasing New Zealand’s social housing stock. Now, the focus needs to be on delivery, working with experienced teams who understand the complexities of social housing and can get the job done.

At Keola, we’ve built over 400 homes, delivering quality housing solutions that meet the needs of communities. We understand the importance of financial viability, energy efficiency, and smart design.

Care to chat? Let’s make this funding count.

If you have time, checkout our recent project here with CORT.