14 affordable homes arrive in Yankalilla

A new affordable housing community for older people in Yankalilla has reached a major milestone, with all 14 modular homes now in place on the Club Fleurieu land as the site of the newest Cottage Homes community.

The one-bedroom homes arrived in the district over several days in September before being individually lifted from trucks by crane and positioned on their foundations in under three days.

District Council of Yankalilla Mayor Darryl Houston attended the craning milestone last week, alongside representatives from Cottage Homes, Club Fleurieu, Fleurieu Community Foundation and Sarah Constructions.

Cottage Homes Chief Executive Officer Ben Sarre said seeing all 14 homes in position was an exciting milestone for a project that had been several years in the making.

“Seeing these homes arrive and be craned into place is a significant milestone, not only for Cottage Homes but for the Yankalilla community,” Mr Sarre said.

“There has been a clear need for more affordable rental housing for older people in this region, and we’re now another important step closer to welcoming 14 age pensioners into homes they can afford.”

The new Cottage Homes community came about following discussions between the District Council of Yankalilla, local community members and Cottage Homes Chief Executive Officer Ben Sarre about the increasing shortage of affordable rental accommodation in the Southern Fleurieu.

Council helped facilitate these conversations as the project was explored for Yankalilla.

Mayor Houston said the development was a welcome response to the growing need for affordable rental housing in the region.

“The demand for affordable rental housing in regional South Australia continues to grow, and Yankalilla is no exception. The Cottage Homes development is a welcome response to this challenge, delivering 14 much-needed homes through an innovative modular construction approach that will get residents housed sooner.

“It's a great example of what can be achieved when Council, community organisations and developers work together.”

The 14 one-bedroom homes will provide long-term, affordable rental accommodation for people receiving the Age Pension, with rent set at a level that is affordable on the pension.

The development is intended to provide an option for older people who may be struggling to find suitable and affordable rental accommodation, while helping residents remain connected to family, services and their local community.

Modular homes arrive almost complete

The 14 homes were constructed off-site by Australian Housing Co and arrived in Yankalilla almost finished, including kitchens, bathrooms, wardrobes, carpet, blinds and shower glass.

The modular construction approach means much of the work can be completed before the homes arrive on site, helping to reduce the time needed for construction at the development site.

The new community is being developed on land leased from Club Fleurieu in Yankalilla and will become the first regional Cottage Homes location in the organisation’s more than 150-year history.

With the homes now in place, Sarah Constructions will continue work on the site, including connecting services to each home and completing the remaining civil, landscaping and external works required to prepare the community for residents.

Cottage Homes is aiming to have residents moving into their new homes before Christmas.

Mayor Houston said the project would provide an important new housing option for older people on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

“Every community on the Fleurieu Peninsula knows how hard it can be for older residents to find suitable, affordable housing close to family and services. Cottage Homes' decision to build here in Yankalilla couldn't have come at a better time, and Council is pleased to have played its part in bringing this project to fruition.”

Expressions of interest

Expressions of interest are currently open for the new Yankalilla homes.

If you are an Age Pensioner looking for affordable rental accommodation in the Yankalilla area, or know someone who may benefit, you can find out more and submit an expression of interest through the Cottage Homes website: www.cottagehomes.org.au/registration-of-interest/