Glossary

The minimum energy efficiency rating required for new homes in Victoria, measured on a 0-10 star scale.

Dwellings designed to be easily modified to accommodate changing needs over time, such as ageing in place.

Housing that is appropriate for the needs of a range of very low to moderate income households and priced so that these households are also able to meet other basic living costs.

Social housing managed by not-for-profit community housing providers (CHPs) rather than state government.

A non-profit organisation that holds land in trust for permanent affordability, separating land ownership from building ownership.

A measure of the number of dwellings or people per unit area, typically expressed as dwellings per hectare (dw/ha).

A mix of dwelling types, sizes, and configurations within a development to meet varied household needs.

The relationship between household income and housing costs. Generally, housing is considered affordable when it costs no more than 30% of gross household income.

An approach to ending homelessness that prioritizes providing permanent housing without preconditions, then wraparound support services.

Planning policies that require or encourage private developers to include affordable or social housing within market-rate developments.

Australian guidelines for accessible housing design with Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels of accessibility.

Developments containing a mix of ownership types such as social rental, affordable rental, and private ownership.

National Construction Code - the primary building code for Australia covering structural, fire, accessibility, and sustainability requirements.

National Disability Insurance Scheme - provides funding for disability support services including specialist disability accommodation (SDA).

Design strategies that use natural energy flows (sun, wind, temperature) to maintain comfortable conditions without mechanical systems.

Social housing owned and managed by state or territory governments, provided to eligible households at subsidised rents.

The recognition of adequate housing as a fundamental human right, enshrined in international law and some national constitutions.

Specialist Disability Accommodation - housing for NDIS participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.

Housing provided by government or community housing organisations to eligible low-income households at below-market rents.

The legal and practical protection tenants have against eviction and displacement, enabling stable long-term housing.

Design that enables all people, regardless of age or ability, to use spaces safely and independently without adaptation.