100th OWNPLACE HOME COMPLETED

Mary Porter, Member for Ginninderra, has turned the key on the recently completed 100th OwnPlace property and welcomed Ineke Kennedy to her new home in the Gungahlin suburb of Bonner.

OwnPlace is one of the innovative programs that is part of the ACT Government’s Affordable Housing Action Plan and partners the Land Development Agency (LDA) with a select panel of six builders to provide affordable house and land packages in new LDA estates.

Under the Affordable Action Plan, a minimum of 15% of all new estates was sold as affordable house and land packages. This mandated level has now been increased to 20% following a recent announcement by Chief Minister and Minister for Land and Property Services, Jon Stanhope.

There are an additional 147 OwnPlace homes, which have been purchased by Canberrans for $300,000 or less, currently being built in Franklin and Bonner.

Future OwnPlace releases will be at the increased affordability threshold of $322,000.

Construction of the first OwnPlace homes started in January 2009 in the LDA’s estate in Franklin and 16 months later, the OwnPlace program has reached the milestone of completing the 100th home.

The OwnPlace homes are master planned into LDA estates as part of the ACT Government’s commitment of integrating affordable housing into the Canberra market.

“The handover of the 100th OwnPlace home is a significant milestone in the ACT Government’s Affordable Housing Action Plan, and a major achievement for the LDA’s OwnPlace program,” Ms Porter said.

OwnPlace homes have been designed as a complete turn-key product, providing uncompromising quality with inclusions exceeding normal industry benchmarks including floor coverings, landscaping, driveways, full ducted heating, window coverings and all site costs.

“The OwnPlace program is allowing more Canberrans to fulfil their dream of home ownership. The six building companies on the panel and the LDA are to be commended for their efforts in helping to make home ownership a reality for hundreds of Canberra families.”