Nightingale Housing is a not-for-profit organization that aims to provide social and affordable housing for those with high needs and low- to moderate-income earners. Founded in 2007 by a group of architects, Nightingale Housing set out to create well-designed, cost-sensitive housing options in inner-city neighborhoods. Since then, they have completed multiple projects in Melbourne and extended their reach to other cities such as Sydney, Ballarat, Fremantle, Bowden, and Marrickville. Each project is built with social, financial, and sustainable values in mind, offering innovative, architecturally led designs that benefit both residents and the local community.
One of the key features of Nightingale Housing projects is the focus on reducing costs by removing amenities like individual laundries, car parks, and second bathrooms. This, in turn, helps to minimize environmental impact and keep the prices of the homes affordable. The most affordable offering in a Nightingale project is the “teilhaus,” a studio-style apartment that sells for $275,000 to $300,000. Other options include one-bedroom apartments priced at $450,000 to $550,000, two bedrooms at $600,000 to the high $700,000s, and three bedrooms up to $995,000. Despite the compact floor plans and shared amenities, the projects have been met with a high demand and oversubscribed register of applicants.
All Nightingale homes are sold through a balloting process that is open to anyone. A portion of the apartments is pre-allocated to community housing providers and key community contributors to ensure fairness and accessibility. Nightingale Housing has delivered 465 homes to date, with more under construction and in planning. The affordable housing model has garnered interest from political leaders in Queensland, with Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon confirming that the state government is exploring the possibility of implementing the Nightingale model in Brisbane. The state is working with various organizations to identify potential sites for social and affordable housing, with a focus on inclusionary planning and providing housing for low- to moderate-income individuals and families.
The Nightingale Housing model challenges the traditional approach to affordable housing by offering well-designed, environmentally sustainable homes at affordable price points. By removing unnecessary amenities and focusing on communal spaces, the projects aim to cater to cost-sensitive individuals who may otherwise struggle to access housing in competitive real estate markets. Despite the compact size and shared facilities, the projects have been well-received by residents and have garnered interest from political leaders in various cities, indicating the potential for the model to be replicated in other locations. The focus on social, financial, and sustainable values sets Nightingale Housing apart as a pioneering organization in the field of affordable housing.
