A pathway to home ownership for ALL women

• Affordable, stand alone, housing, three to a block with separate land titles allowing asset ownership
• Accessible housing finance designed for women on low incomes and in precarious economic circumstances
• Maximum interest rate guarantee for the term of the mortgage
• Sustainable, size and energy efficient housing – lowering daily living costs
• Modular, scalable, efficient, community based model

The Problem

Australia is in an affordable housing crisis with an absence of adequate short term solutions in sight. The long term social and economic impacts on solo mums, their children and women 50+ mean they are trapped in a cycle of housing insecurity and entrenched poverty. We are currently in a severe shortage of public housing and private housing for rental. Home ownership is out of reach for so many. Women experience a gender income gap, unpaid caring roles and limits on career growth which impact their acquisition of assets (collateral) and credit rating. This systemic inequality becomes further entrenched in situations where there is domestic violence and the woman needs to choose between rental insecurity or violence at home.

Security of housing is closely linked to marital status and family composition in Australia. If you have 2 parents earning an income, you are twice as likely to access a mortgage and have a house to live in. If you’re a single mum or woman 50+ you are more likely to be renting, with no way to access affordable financial products that will help you build assets. High cost of living pressures keep home security out of reach for solo women. They are the highest risk for homelessness.

What can single mums afford in the current rental market?

Solo mums and women 50+ from lower income households are at breaking point. For those reliant on social security, or on minimum wage, finding an affordable house in the private rental market is extremely challenging – and being stuck without a financial buffer can amplify their risk of homelessness. For a woman on minimum wage nationally:

Mission Impossible: Buying a New Home

Comparing the income of Single Mothers (with 2 children, ages 4 and 8) and older woman (aged 55+ on minimum wage) with the median mortgage costs of buying a new home in each of Australia’s capital cities.

The Solution

We have partnered with Aspect Design Studios to co-design a modular home purpose built for vulnerable women that can be produced at scale. We are keeping manufacturing costs low by reducing material wastage, deploying recycled components and producing the modular components near to the site. The homes prioritise energy efficient features such as superior insulation, FSC-certified timber, bamboo and solar energy. This passive design will enable the home owners who are vulnerable women to save on running costs and instead invest those savings into their families.

Our housing designs are affordable, energy efficient, sustainable and beautiful. They are functionally designed at approximately 70m2 (bigger than a tiny house) with modules able to be added for more space. We are also continuing to explore innovations in housing design and building that support cost reduction, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability as well as social benefits.

The Little Green House Micro Communities model counteracts the cultural trend of larger, resource intensive houses, encouraging a more modest, sustainable lifestyle and ultimately a more connected, equitable and sustainable society.

micro-communities

Interconnected support, better than renting.

We know that it takes a village to raise children and that people are happiest when they have personal security, financial flexibility, autonomy but also social support and interaction.

We propose as one example, that 4 separate, functional, beautiful Little Green Houses become a home for two single mother families and an older single woman.

This model creates an instant social support network and increased levels of personal security for those living with social isolation, loneliness and/or other vulnerabilities affecting wellbeing.

Key Benefits for your council:

• Meeting Affordable Housing Targets: Achieve affordable housing goals through efficient land use and a pioneering ownership model.

• Environmental Sustainability: Contribute to your council’s sustainability targets with low-carbon construction, eco- friendly designs, energy-efficient features, and effective water and waste management strategies.

• Community Engagement & Inclusivity: Designed with input from potential homeowners, ensuring inclusivity for diverse groups including
  individuals with disabilities, low-income households, older adults, and single-parent families.

• Community Integration: Provides affordable, permanent housing that not only integrates into the community but also elevates the area, creating value for all.
• Amenities & Social Good: Incorporates communal spaces and proximity to schools, transport, and healthcare, with opportunities for community gardens, playgrounds, and social enterprises.

• Economic Viability: Scalable locally and nationally, addressing both immediate and long-term affordability for residents.

• Economic Development: Our wrap around support services help the residents fulfil their full potential, get off welfare and become financially independent, local employers and home owners.

• Collaboration & Collective Impact: Developed in partnership with local government, developers, philanthropy, corporates, and community leaders to maximise collective impact for your region.