SDA Housing & SDA Properties FAQs

NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (NPA) is an ‘end to end’ solutions service working with Investors, Builders, Developers, NDIS Providers, Support Coordinators, and Participants, directly and indirectly, to collaborate with other suppliers in a supply chain to deliver as many new SDA compliant homes as possible to assist Providers in helping their Participants with “choice & control” in how they live their lives.

NPA provides an ‘end to end’ solution for clients.

From assisting with land acquisition, and the vetting of builders, to connecting you with SDA providers who have participants that might be suited to proposed homes being built.

We can provide you with a choice of investment options based on properties that are being developed and built specifically to be SDA compliant, for instance, or connect you with relevant industry professionals to guide you through the process of applying for NDIS investment finance and completing a purchase.

Our connections within the NDIS market, combined with our industry knowledge and experience in land acquisition and construction of homes, means that we can assist you in not only finding tenants for your property but also the ongoing maintenance and upkeep by recommending a well qualified SDA provider.

At NPA, we work very closely with the builders for the designs and pricing of houses, and also various land developers to secure ‘correct sized’ land lots for these builders to build upon.

The houses and the location are chosen and custom-built for the waiting participant’s (disability tenants) needs under the guidance of the providers, who keep a finger on the pulse of market demand, courtesy of statistics provided by the NDIA.

So in essence, the info gathered from NDIS ecosystem shows the areas which have a high demand for SDA homes, and thus the builder will work with the provider to identify the areas and ensure the designs of homes proposed are compliant. From there land is sourced and build designs and inclusions are packaged up by the builders we work with, for the specific needs of waiting participants, in the areas which have pent-up demand. 

Currently we have NDIS SDA homes available throughout the country. Our properties are spread between regional and more central areas due to the demand for disability housing. We are taking a cautious approach to housing placement, fully aware that we don’t want to see an oversupply of property in any area. Once we have placed tenants in our current supply of properties, we will then continue to work with Service providers, to create an ongoing balance between supply and demand.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme provides support to people with a disability along with their families and carers. The scheme is funded by Australian Federal and State Governments to assist people to access better housing, health, education, and community services.

In order for a property to become available to NDIS participants seeking SDA, the property needs to be enrolled and compliant according to SDA Rules, and the property must be managed by a registered SDA provider.

SDA providers connect NDIS participants with investors and developers who provide “high quality, fit-for-purpose, and innovative dwellings.” This means that housing providers are not funded directly from the NDIS, but rather through the individual participants, who have their own approved SDA budget as part of their NDIS funding. (It is also possible for NDIS participants and non-participants to share the same accommodation, with rents for each being separately negotiated).

The SDA payments that participants receive will be based on their funding level, the size of the dwelling, its location, and the accessibility it provides. These payments are designed to cover the costs incurred in the bricks and mortar construction of the property, and offer a return on investment (ROI) at market rates of up to 15%pa, though a conservative range would be 9%-12%pa.

There will be a variety of platforms available for providers to find tenants, and there is also the option for SDA properties to be made available in other markets as well.

Some participants in the NDIS will receive funding for SDA. SDA stands for ‘Specialised Disability Accommodation’ and is a system created under the NDIS for people with high support housing needs to ensure they are able live independently and also receive support they require whilst at home in specially designed or adapted homes to help deliver their support needs.

SDA service providers hold the head lease and oversee the process of securing accommodation for the tenants. The SDA provider has an agreement in place with SIL providers (care services) and their role is to ensure the house has tenants and is maintained to high standard. They deal with all the related NDIS agencies and are the only entity who can handle SDA payments. They also ensure that RRC payments are managed from the tenants.

The funding for Specialist Disability Accommodation provides an investor with an above average rental income for putting their hand up to provide SDA accommodation. If a disabled person is assessed as requiring Specialist Disability Accommodation, funding will be included in their NDIS plan to cover any disability related housing costs that are above the ordinary costs of housing for them and their support coordinator. Funding is used to source the most appropriate accommodation in the marketplace for themselves.

The funding for SDA is provided through the NDIS. Participants can use their NDIS funding to cover the cost associated with SDA, including the construction or modification of the dwelling to meet the specific needs of the individual.

All SDA providers must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

An SDA provider may or may not own the dwelling and may or may not include:

Private landlords

Family members of people with disability

Organisations (not-for-profit or for-profit)

An SDA provider will receive funding from the NDIA and can also charge controlled rent directly from each resident. The NDIA payment is a contribution to the cost of capital and a contribution to the associated business activities and costs relevant to the delivery of SDA: for example, property maintenance and vacancy procedures.

The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) provides the SDA funding for people whose disability or ongoing very high support needs require special accommodation which enables them to receive housing, care and onsite support by their carer.The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) provides the SDA funding for people whose disability or ongoing very high support needs require special accommodation which enables them to receive housing, care and onsite support by their carer.

There are 4 levels of NDIS SDA homes each designed for a different level of disability and care:

• Improved Livability – built to LHA Silver Level
• Fully Accessible – built to LHA Platinum Level
• Robust – built to LHA Silver Level
• High Physical Support – built to LHA Platinum Level

The NDIA assesses eligibility for SDA through a comprehensive planning process, considering the participant’s functional impairments, support needs, and the impact on daily living. The assessment aims to determine whether SDA is necessary to meet the individual’s specific requirements.

The main differences between Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and regular housing lie in the design, features, and the target audience. Here are the key differences:

Design and Features: SDA housing is specifically designed to meet the needs of people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. It incorporates features such as wider door frames, large accessible bathrooms, open plan living areas, and provision for automation, which are not typically found in regular housing.

Target Audience: SDA housing is primarily intended for individuals with disabilities who require a higher level of care and support. Regular housing, on the other hand, is designed for a broader range of people, including those without disabilities.

Funding: SDA housing is usually funded by the federal or state government, and participants with NDIS plans can access funding for SDA housing if they meet the eligibility criteria. Regular housing is typically not funded by the NDIS and is paid for by the resident through rent or other personal costs.

Application Process: Applying for SDA housing often requires an application to be filled out and accepted by a specialist disability accommodation provider. Applicants can then negotiate different tenancy terms depending on their individual needs. Regular housing does not have this application process, and tenants can apply directly through property managers or real estate agents.

Size: SDA housing is usually larger than regular rental accommodation to accommodate features such as wheelchair ramps, wider doorways, and lowered kitchen benches. However, some units of SDA housing can be smaller than regular rental units.

In summary, SDA housing is designed specifically for people with disabilities, incorporating specialised features and designs to cater to their unique needs. It is funded by the NDIS and often requires a separate application process. Regular housing is designed for a broader audience and is not typically funded by the NDIS.

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is the support or supervision of daily tasks to live independently. Supported Disability Accommodation (SDA), on the other hand, is the ‘bricks and mortar’ component for people with disability who have severe functional impairment or highly complex support needs that require specialist housing alternatives.

The SDA Price Guide allows for maximum rental payments of 25% of Disability Support Pension (DSP), 25% of Pension Supplement and 100% of Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA).

Not all tenants are eligible for the maximum DSP and pension rates. So tenants don’t experience rental stress, you can charge based on an individual’s income (to a cap of the maximum basic rate for a person who is not under 21 and is not part of a couple).

SDA can be either permanent or temporary, depending on the individual’s needs. Some people may require permanent SDA, while others may only need it for a specific period. The duration of SDA is determined during the NDIS planning process.

Yes, SDA can be shared. In some cases, individuals with disabilities may choose to share SDA with others, such as family members or friends. Shared living arrangements can provide additional support and foster a sense of community.

The NDIS recognize that most people who need SIL are able to live in an ordinary home that is already available and does not need modification. Most people who will have SIL approved as a reasonable and necessary support in their plan will not need SDA.

NDIS 2.0 is expected to impact people with disabilities in several ways. The plan aims to put people with disabilities and their perspectives first in conversations about the future of the NDIS, amplifying the exceptional work already going on in the sector. 

Some of the key impacts include:

• Person-Centered Approach: NDIS 2.0 aims to improve the participant experience to be person-centered and responsive to intersectional disadvantage
• Strengthened Access: The plan focuses on strengthening access to the scheme based on significant functional impairment rather than medical diagnoses, which is intended to ensure that the NDIS is more inclusive and supportive of those with significant functional impairments
• Community-Wide Foundational Supports: The NDIS 2.0 involves rolling out community-wide foundational supports aligned with mainstream services, which is expected to enhance the overall support available to people with disabilities
• Economic Impact: Preliminary estimates suggest that the NDIS may generate significant economic benefits, which could have a positive impact on people with disabilities and the wider economy
• Market and Workforce Opportunities: The plan also involves examining market and workforce opportunities to break down barriers for people with disabilities, which could lead to improved service delivery and support

The NDIS’s SDA funding scheme will provide accessible housing for those Australians with a disability who require specialised housing. Housing is delivered through an ongoing subsidy for people with a disability to access housing.

Before NDIS was implemented, the funding for housing people with disabilities mostly came from governments or non-profit providers using upfront capital grants. As banks have started to become lenient and are lending to finance SDA projects, there is a growing appetite among investors for investing in SDA housing projects.

• Out of the 870,000 participants expected to be receiving  NDIS funding by 2030, an estimated 52,000 of them will qualify for SDA.
• Currently, there are around 14,000 people residing in accommodation that is inappropriate for them, because it doesn’t meet their needs, they are isolated from the community, and they really have no choice.
• These 14,000 are likely living in residential aged care, government housing, hostels, or with family in unsuitable situations (inappropriate design, living with aging parents, etc).
• Additionally, there is a need to replace existing old homes with contemporary SDA. This means the real demand for new housing could be as high as 20,000 new dwellings over the next 8 years, as current SDA tenants in basic and legacy housing look for alternative housing.
• Sadly, only around 2200 new dwellings have been built as of September 2021.
• There is an incredible need and a chronically short supply.

The SDA scheme is designed to address the massive undersupply. Demand is not the problem here, and if you can build the right home in the right location for the participants, then your property will not face the problem of vacancy.

Furthermore, the government wants to motivate private investment with $5 billion to encourage the build of brand-new residential properties built for inclusion in the scheme. The government has committed $700M per annum in the SDA scheme funding from the overall NDIS budget of $22B planned over 20 years.

Your investment property not only provides rental income for yourself, but it provides the perfect home for Australians with disabilities – moving them out of inappropriate aged and other institutionalised care and place them in suitable housing. This is a perfect example of ‘Impact Investing’ – a win-win situation.

The SDA policy is an ambitious initiative requiring $5Bn to build housing. Government cannot achieve this and thus launched the $700M a year NDIS Scheme to create an investor and user driven market.

The policy aims to empower people with disability to decide where they live and who they live with. The package of support includes annual funding to pay for the cost of their housing where the participant has a separate amount in their package to pay for their attendant care support needs to live independently in our communities.

It is anticipated that the SDA pricing and framework will continue for 20 years, after which your property will revert to the general market.

Any government funding is attached to the NDIS participant, and not the property itself. Investors should be aware that investment schemes, generally, are not government-backed and are run independently from the government.

Misinformation suggesting SDA is easy, low risk and offers high returns is an overarching issue, and while investors must examine their motivation and commitment, they must also understand vacancy rates and demand to make their investments worthwhile.

Let’s not beat around the bush, It can be pretty complicated and daunting – especially the first time. There are also many people who have lost money by rushing into the market unprepared. That is why we exist. Our job is to work with you in putting together your team of advisers who have your best interests at heart! Our strong suggestion would be to give us a call, or drop us an email and we can have a relaxed and informal chat about where to go from here. It is an exciting and rewarding journey. You do however have to “bite the bullet” at some stage and start!

The land and location must meet SDA requirements, so not just any block in any location will be suitable. SDA funding is running nationally, and SDA Homes can be built Australia wide. The location needs to be close to amenities such as health care, employment hubs and transport. The land must have no more than a 7-degree slope to the road to be approved.

The greatest demand for disability housing is in Melbourne’s West (1,464), the city’s South East (1,378), North East (1,107), Inner (829) and Outer East (806), and Sydney’s Parramatta (786), Inner South West (734), Blacktown (677) and Outer South West (650).

A 20-year projection model released by NDIS steward, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), estimates that by 2042, at an average growth of 2.4 per cent per annum, 36,684 SDA homes will be required.

The latest news on Specialist Disability Accommodation includes the release of new prices effective from 1 July 2023, as a result of the SDA Pricing Review 2022-23.

The changes are grouped into three key areas, including changes to SDA funding for 2023/24 for SDA New Builds.

The implementation of the new SDA prices commenced in October 2023, and indexation has been included in the new NDIS SDA Price Calculators for 2023-24. The NDIS has allocated $700 million annually to fund Speciality Disability Accommodation, aiming to address the shortage of adequate NDIS housing for people with disabilities. Private investors have also been inspired to support the initiative, resulting in investments and the creation of new housing.

That’s a very good question, and one that is very commonly pondered! The key is to look at who is supplying you the information. If it is someone who has a vested interest in selling you their product or service they are very rarely impartial or balanced. We however are completely independent and only offer advice that is specific to your unique situation. We are not and never will be a “one size fits all” organisation.

A Family Trust is worth considering for holding this type of investment due to its tax benefits, but we suggest you speak to your Accountant or Financial Advisor for advice. We can refer you to a planner, accountant or broker to assist.

Yes, you can, but if borrowing only as a single contract. This would normally mean you would need to purchase the property in cash from your SMSF. Only single contract purchases can be purchased in a SMSF, not a 2-part contract purchase.

Click here for more information on purchasing a NDIS property with your SMSF.

SMSF investments in NDIS seems to be a hot topic currently. We are getting a lot of buyers with large amounts in super exploring the idea of NDIS. Yes we can assist. We can refer clients to SMSF funders who will do one-part contracts for House & Land packages and we help facilitate this as a property advisor only. We recommend SMSF investors have at least 33% of the House & Land contract price, plus additional costs such as stamp duty and holding costs etc. This would amount to over $250,000 as an SMSF balance minimum, ideally at least $350,000. Please consult your accountant for further advice, as we are not financial advisors.

Click here for more information on purchasing a NDIS property with your SMSF. 

There are very few lenders who will finance an NDIS property investment. It is essential to work with brokers and mortgage managers who are experienced in NDIS lending and have connections to the right lenders.

Since late 2024, securing finance for NDIS properties has become more challenging. The primary lender, which previously handled around 95% of all NDIS financing, introduced stricter qualification criteria in early 2025 including borrower requirements and location-based lending limits.

To qualify, borrowers must now meet the definition of a ‘sophisticated investor’, meaning they must have:

$2.5 million in net assets, and/or

An annual household income of $250,000+

The main lender now imposes the following restrictions:

• Sydney: Within 50km of the CBD
• Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth: Within 25km of the CBD
• Regional towns: 

Minimum population of 10,000+

25,000+ population (within the 25km limit as for major cities)

Additionally, the following LVR (Loan-to-value) restrictions apply

• Capital cities: Up to 100% of alternate use value
• Regional towns: Up to 80% of alternate use value
• Owner-occupiers/family purchasers: 80-90% of Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), based on the participant’s NDIS plan funding

The investor can sell the property as per standard Real Estate legislation requirements or the investor has the option to roll over their agreement and continue the NDIS as Existing NDIS stock once the 20 year period is up.

There’s a bipartisan agreement that’s been signed off by all the parties in Canberra – the scheme has a 20 year timeframe of NDIS Certification. All the States and Territories also are unified in this program to ensure federal funding goes where its supposed to go.

Yes. The SDA funding under the NDIS is a legislated commitment of Australia’s Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, set out in the NDIS SDA Rules (2-18) under the NDIS Act 2013. This legislation provides the foundation for government’s long-term and firm commitment to SDA funding under the NDIS. Beyond the legislative commitment, SDA funding enables eligible participants to achieve better outcomes while representing value for money for the NDIS saving the government and taxpayers a lot of money otherwise spent on accommodating the applicants themselves.

A single-part contract in property investment streamlines the process with a direct agreement between the investor and the property provider. This eliminates the need for intermediary contracts, providing a transparent structure for building property in your SMSF. Enjoy a clear breakdown of all construction costs, ensuring full visibility and eliminating hidden fees. 

Unlike a two-part contract, a single-part contract streamlines the engagement process by establishing a direct agreement between the investor and the property provider, reducing complexities. 

Single-part contracts offer simplicity, transparency, and ease of engagement for investors, providing a clear pathway to enter the property market. 

Yes, single-part contracts empower investors to diversify their portfolios by simplifying the process of engaging in various property investments. 

Generally, single-part contracts provide flexibility, allowing investors to participate in a variety of property types based on their investment preferences.

There are currently 4 Levels of NDIS SDA homes: 

• Improved Livability

• Fully Accessible

• Robust

• High Physical Support

The NDIS has it’s own building standard to which we comply, as a way of keeping ahead of NDIS requirements (future-proofing). We are focused on providing a quality “Forever Home” that is compliant with all current NDIS SDA standards.

In order to meet stringent requirements under NDIS guidelines, the homes include many features the house next door will not have and thus present as a higher cost to build.

These homes need to have a larger floor plan for ease of mobility, depending on the category of SDA (Robust or High Physical support etc) the homes have to include materials sound enough to withstand damage from wheelchairs or movement etc and thus require stronger materials for floors and walls etc. Some of the categories require full home automation for lights, curtains, windows and doors.

Each build is customised and not cookie cut like most new builds out there built by volume builders. Material is not purchased in bulk as done with volume builders and thus also costs more.

Based on requirements, materials used, customisation, automation, floor plan size etc the cost per square metre in no way can be compared to the new home being built next door.

It used to be 6 months, but since 2021, we now see 9 to 12 months as the norm for construction. When taking into account council delays, supply chain issues, construction worker shortages, the Christmas period and weather delays, a 14 to 16 month project turn around time is to be expected, from day one commitment of an EOI, if working with titled land.

• 14 to 16 months for titled land
• 18 to 20 months for untitled land
• This always depends on the location

The cost of building NDIS SDA homes has been steadily increasing during the second quarter of 2021. Timber has gone up by 18%. The cost of builds has been going up 10-15 % and the margin for builders has reduced significantly. The biggest problem is that contracts signed by investors has locked in prices, but the construction of the home will occur over the next year, and increasing costs will cause problems with builders not making money, with building costs going up even after contracts have been signed.

In South East Queensland, recent internal migration of people from VIC and NSW has resulted in significant population growth – with 10s of thousands moving to South East Queensland in the past 12 months, partly due to Covid. Additionally, more than 200,000 expats returned from overseas since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, buying up property, significantly impacting the available land supply.

In 2020, the government’s Home Builder Grant resulted in lots of First Home Buyers buying a lot of land, which combined with low interest rates resulting in a lack of land supply in the marketplace. In Victoria, land is in very short supply and there is a delay of 1-2 years for land titles. In Brisbane we’re now seeing delays of 6 months or more for land titles.

High demand for house and land packages is creating a fast paced market with new land releases selling out in under a week. Developers now require pre-approval letters, or a broker qualification letter with an EOI. In some cases, larger deposits of $5,000 are now required.

With the influx of owner occupiers in the market, developers are less interested in selling to investors and are favouring direct sales. It is therefore vital to act fast and to always complete everything on the EOI forms to ensure you don’t miss out.

In many cases land is registered or close to registration, but investors will know if it isn’t the case.

Since the HOMEBUILDER SCHEME was launched, homebuyers have come out in droves to land estates snapping up all available lots. This will have an adverse affect on land availability over the coming year or so for all buyers, both investors and first home buyers, and thus we cannot predict that the packages we recommend for sale will be registered. 

Yes, It is possible to build an SDA dwelling on your own land. However, it is not possible to build SDA on just any block in any location. Land must be NDIS compliant. 

The land must have no more than a 7-degree slope to the road to be approved. Proximity to transport, shops, entertainment, and other essential services is critical to enabling people with disability to easily leave their homes and live a meaningful life.

 Contact us for a FREE appraisal to determine if your land is suitable.

If you are considering renovating an existing property, you need to consider the following points:

• The property needs to have been issued a certificate of occupancy on or after April 1st, 2016.
• The refurbishment must meet the minimum requirements for the selected Design Category
• The cost to refurbish or renovate the home must meet the minimum requirements in the NDIS’ Appendix F—Minimum Refurbishment Costs for New Builds
• The required minimum costs to refurbish are high, making this option generally not financially viable.

Yes, each home is offered a 6-year structural builder’s warranty dated from practical completion. This warranty covers structural items and faults of original workmanship.

We cannot be sure of who the participants will be that ultimately live within your property. Even though a High Physical Support design is built, the participants may end up being “HIGH PHYSICAL SUPPORT” + “IMPROVED LIVABILITY” + “FULLY ACCESSIBLE” for a 4 bedroom house, with the 24/7 onsite carer (OOA).

We offer these homes to investors who fully understand the downside of these investments but are prepared to accept those for the higher cash flow they will get. The downside is that they are building a more bespoke home to allow for wheelchairs so the bathrooms, corridors etc. are a little larger than normal, which may not be seen as the same value as the house next door. These are still a relatively regular 4 bedroom home but as you’d imagine, you can notice the additional features on a casual inspection of the property and this may slightly impact the future sale value. 

Safety and Design Features: High-quality SDA properties should have safety and design features that go above the SDA Design Standard. Features such as fire suppression and detection systems, plumbing configurations for height-adjustable bathroom cabinets, discreet staff areas, and National Construction Council approved fire safety systems are indicators of quality

Location: Proximity to community facilities is crucial for participant wellbeing. High-quality SDA assets should be located near community amenities to facilitate easy interaction with the community for work, living, and entertainment-related activities

Dignity of Risk: Quality SDA properties should respect the dignity of risk, allowing individuals to make their own choices independently and take risks to learn and grow, regardless of their disability. This factor is closely linked to wellbeing and independence

Collaboration with Support Providers: Effective collaboration with Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers is essential for ensuring high-quality care and support for residents. Strong relationships with support providers contribute to the overall management and quality of the property

Value Alignment: Alignment between SIL and SDA providers in terms of commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability, exceeding NDIS Quality & Safeguard requirements, and robust audit processes is crucial for participant benefit.

By considering these indicators and factors, investors can identify potential low-quality SDA properties and make informed decisions to avoid investing in properties that may not meet the necessary standards or provide suitable accommodation for individuals with disabilities

Property Vacancy:

• Low-quality SDA properties may have higher vacancy rates, indicating potential issues with tenant retention or demand for the property

Certainty on Pricing and Government Regulation:

• Investors should assess the certainty of pricing and compliance with government regulations in SDA properties. Uncertainty in these areas can be a red flag for potential quality issues

Quality of Housing and Support Provided:

• The quality of housing and the support provided within the dwellings are crucial indicators of property quality. Investors should evaluate the standard of accommodation and the level of support offered to residents to determine if it meets the necessary standards

Rigorous Due Diligence:

• Conducting rigorous due diligence on counterparties, vacancy risk management, and the operating model can help identify potential low-quality SDA properties. Investors should thoroughly assess these aspects before making investment decisions

Understanding Local Demand:

• Understanding the local demand for different types of SDA properties is essential. Investors should assess whether there is sufficient demand for the property in a specific location to avoid potential issues related to low occupancy rates

Financial Preparedness:

• Investors should ensure they have the financial capacity to cover mortgage and maintenance costs during tenant vacancy periods, which can last several months. Being financially prepared for valuation shortfalls and income gaps is crucial for successful SDA property investment.

1. Safety and Design Features:

• High-Quality: High-quality SDA properties have safety and design features that go above the SDA Design Standard, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of occupants. They may include fire suppression and detection systems, plumbing configurations for height-adjustable bathroom cabinets, discreet staff areas, and National Construction Council approved fire safety system
• Low-Quality: Low-quality SDA properties may compromise safety for occupants by lacking essential safety features or amenities. They may not meet the necessary design standards, leading to greater vacancy risks and potentially compromising the safety and comfort of residents

2. Dignity of Risk:

• High-Quality: High-quality SDA properties respect the dignity of risk, allowing individuals to make their own choices independently and take risks to learn and grow, regardless of their disability. This factor is closely linked to wellbeing and independence
• Low-Quality: Low-quality SDA properties may not prioritize the dignity of risk, potentially limiting residents’ independence and autonomy in decision-making

3. Location:

• High-Quality: High-quality SDA properties are located near community facilities to facilitate easy interaction with the community for work, living, and entertainment-related activities. Proximity to community amenities is vital for participant wellbeing
• Low-Quality: Low-quality SDA properties may be situated in less accessible locations, lacking proximity to essential community services, which can impact residents’ quality of life and integration with the community

4. Collaboration with Support Providers:

• High-Quality: Effective collaboration with Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers ensures a high standard of care and support for residents in high-quality SDA properties
• Low-Quality: In low-quality SDA properties, there may be inadequate collaboration with support providers, leading to substandard care and support services for residents.

Common complaints from tenants of low-quality SDA properties include:

Poor Design and Safety Features:

Low-quality SDA properties may lack essential safety features and compromise on design standards, leading to concerns about the safety and comfort of occupants

Lack of Amenities:

Tenants in low-quality SDA properties may experience a lack of amenities or compromised safety, which can result in greater vacancy risks and dissatisfaction with the living conditions

Inadequate Support Services:

Residents of low-quality SDA properties may receive substandard support services, impacting their overall quality of life and wellbeing. Inadequate support can lead to dissatisfaction among tenants

Location Issues:

Low-quality SDA properties may be situated in less accessible locations, lacking proximity to essential community services. This can affect residents’ integration with the community and overall satisfaction with the property

Participant Wellbeing Concerns:

Participants in low-quality SDA properties may not have their wellbeing prioritized, leading to dissatisfaction with the living environment and potentially affecting their quality of life

By addressing these common complaints and ensuring that SDA properties meet the necessary standards for safety, design, amenities, support services, and participant wellbeing, investors can contribute to providing high-quality accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

The Specialist Disability Accomodation (SDA) design standards released on October 25th 2019, supersede the Livable Housing Design guidelines that SDA had been based on until now.

The release of the standards means that from 1st July, 2021, all applications to enrol a dwelling for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) will be required to include a certificate from an Accredited SDA Assessor.

SDA assessors will as a part of the certification process, nominate the Design Category the dwelling satisfies based on the Design Standards.

The new Design standards mandated SDA assessors can be 1 of 4 professions:

• Builder surveyors
• Architect
• Occupational Therapist
• Access Consultant

Under current NDIS SDA policy the enrolment application commences as soon as you have received the certificate of practical completion from your builder, and we are in receipt of the required documentation. New policies are being introduced throughout the year and we will hopefully see the introduction of pre-certification of SDA dwellings. (This is a pre enrollment approval pending completion of your build as per requirements of relevant codes and NDIS SDA requirements).