Fraser Suites Perth to be converted into affordable housing

Australia: The Government of Western Australia has purchased the former Fraser Suites Perth for $105 million to be repurposed into affordable social housing. 

Located on Adelaide Terrace within the Queens Riverside precinct, 19-storey building features 236 short stay serviced apartments and 11 commercial suites. 

Approximately 70 per cent of the 236 units will be allocated towards affordable housing with the remainder allocated towards social housing. A Community Housing Provider will be appointed to manage the property and oversee tenant selection.

Housing and works minister John Carey said: “This is the single-biggest purchase of affordable and social housing in the state’s history, and the cost per unit is well below the cost to construct an apartment and represents exceptional value for money. The purchase and repurposing of this complex will provide a critical affordable and social housing boost in an area of high demand and high amenity.”

Philippa Boldy, acting CEO of non-for-profit social services provider Anglicare WA, added: “Accessible housing should be a feature of every Western Australian community, and we welcome the government’s leadership in investing in a property of this scale in Perth’s CBD, close to amenities, services and supports. 

“The demand for social and affordable housing in Western Australia continues to grow and will require an ongoing significant investment and this announcement is a positive step to provide safe, affordable homes for all Western Australians. At a time when many Western Australians are struggling to find an affordable and safe home, we need to pull on every lever we can to address imbalances in the housing market.”

Highlights:

• The Western Australian Government has purchased the former Fraser Suites Perth for $105 million to address the state’s housing shortage.

• The building will be transformed into a mix of affordable and social housing, with 70 per cent of units for affordable housing and 30 per cent for social housing.

• A Community Housing Provider will be responsible for managing the property and selecting tenants.