FAQs
IS THE SDA FUNDING HERE TO STAY?
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 the 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.
HOW DOES THE NDIS HELP PROPERTY INVESTORS?
The NDIS has introduced a funding scheme to build new accessible housing for at least 36,000 Australians with a disability. Housing is delivered through an ongoing subsidy for people with a disability to access housing. The SDA payments drive the market-driven model where providers create and maintain housing for people with a disability across Australia with an annual budget of $700 million for the SDA.
WHO FINDS SUITABLE TENANTS FOR EACH PROPERTY?
An SDA Provider, once engaged, will be the specialist property management firm that works with NDIS Service Providers in assisting their NDIS clients to apply for and be placed in suitable Specialist Disability Accommodation. This process starts as soon as the property has been registered with SDA and the commencement of the build, with the intention of having the property occupied as soon as possible after the property is completed.
WHAT MAKES A FOREVER HOME FOR NDIS TENANTS?
NDIS homes are built to a very high standard. They do not present as hostel or overcrowded old-style disability housing. These homes are built and designed above a spec home, built to accommodate and last.
HOW IS THE BUILD QUALITY?
There are different builders building NDIS SDA Homes and there is no official NDIS registration required for a builder. A good builder will provide a quality home that is compliant with current NDIS SDA standards. It takes from 6 to 12 months to build an NDIS SDA approved home (depending on which state, supply chin issues and weather). There are Builder’s warranties provided on structure for 6 years and other build warranties and guarantees as per any other property.
WHERE IS THE LOCATION OF NDIS HOUSING?
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. When investing in an NDIS home, ensure they are within close proximity to essential services and also within other ‘normal’ communities.
WHY IS THERE A GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE?
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, empowering people with disability to devide where they live and whom 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 attendance 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.
