The term 'mixed tenure housing' generally refers to a development with a variety of cost and tenure options. For example, developments which include social and affordable housing alongside housing offered at full market price.
This can be done in several ways.
Legislation can require developers to ensure that a certain proportion of completed dwellings in a subdivision or multi-unit development is sold at a price that is accepted (often specified) as being affordable. Other delivery mechanisms include long-term renting options, rent-to-buy options and social housing [see note 1].
Mixed tenure housing models also seek to integrate communities.
This can involve developing whole neighbourhoods in which some streets are intended for owner occupiers, and others for social housing, or adopting a 'pepper-potting' approach in which social housing is located amongst privately-owned housing.
Mixed tenure communities reduces spatial inequality and bring about wider benefits such as de-stigmatisation of an area, social cohesion and better health outcomes. These have positive multiplier effects that:
- help enhance the sense of belonging
- induce positive, participatory actions
- improve access and connectivity
- create opportunities for sustained prosperity.
In Auckland, a mixed tenure housing model is being used by the Auckland Housing Programme, a joint venture between Housing New Zealand and its subsidiary company HLC Ltd. Visit the Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities website for more information about the housing programme.
The programme is designed to deliver small, medium and large-scale housing developments in Auckland.
It involves increasing the number of new and affordable dwellings in areas of existing Housing New Zealand stock, by replacing current stock.
New dwellings are sold on the open market, some at a price deemed affordable, and the remainder are retained by Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities for social housing purposes.
The programme is seeking to build around 11,000 additional new social housing homes and just over 12,600 new affordable and market homes by 2026.
The mixed tenure housing model will remain an important consideration for the life of the Auckland Plan 2050 because its aim is not just to increase the supply of new dwellings, but to optimise housing outcomes for all Aucklanders.
Note
[1] Social housing is subsidised housing provided for people on low incomes or with particular needs by government agencies or non-profit organisations. The largest social housing provider in New Zealand is Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities.
