Regional Housing Scheme Gets $5 Million Funding Boost in South Australia
Renewal SA has announced an additional $5 million for its Regional Housing Initiatives Program (RHIP), aiming to help more housing projects move forward in regional South Australia. The second round opened on 14 October 2026, building on an earlier round that supported eight projects.
The funding is intended to address some of the challenges faced by developers and councils when delivering homes in regional areas. Through partnerships with local governments, private developers and community housing providers, the program aims to make more projects financially viable and encourage additional housing supply.
The first round attracted 30 applications and allocated more than $5.6 million to eight regional housing projects. According to Renewal SA, the supported initiatives have helped unlock more than 200 housing outcomes.
Regional housing scheme offers two funding pathways
Under the second round, Renewal SA will work with successful applicants through two funding options.
The first allows Renewal SA to purchase up to 25% of the allotments in a development, subject to a maximum of four allotments per project. Each allotment would be acquired for $181,000, with funding capped at $724,000 per project, including GST.
The second option focuses on reducing leasing risks. Renewal SA may acquire priority rights, on behalf of South Australian Government agencies, to lease up to 50% of the new homes in a project, capped at three dwellings per development. Each right costs $100,000, excluding GST.
These rights give government agencies the option to lease completed homes, rather than an obligation to do so. If an agency exercises that option, the lease can run for between one and 10 years, with the initial rent set at market value by an independent valuer.
Earlier projects show the program's reach
The first round supported housing developments across several regional communities. Six projects are being delivered with local councils in Bordertown, Cleve, Cowell, Cummins, Kimba and Port Broughton.
Other initiatives include residential allotments and Specialist Disability Accommodation in Mount Gambier, delivered by private developer Evergreen Built. In Loxton, community housing provider Cornerstone Housing is developing 15 long-term rental homes for key workers.
Renewal SA Executive Director of Residential Project Delivery and Assets Peter Gatsios said targeted government support could help projects proceed when regional development costs and financial risks made delivery difficult.
For the new round, projects that are ready to proceed will be viewed favourably, particularly those that can begin within 12 months. Applicants must also provide evidence of the status of statutory and utility approvals.
Applications close at 5 pm ACDT on 23 December 2026. The program is administered by Renewal SA's Office for Regional Housing.
