New funding opened for Class 1 housing projects

25 August 2026

Housing Australia today announced a new funding stream to accelerate the delivery of social and affordable homes under Round 3 of the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), following advocacy from Master Builders Australia.

The stream will provide an additional pathway to support a range of projects that are ready-to-go, well-located and low-density (Class 1).

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn welcomed the announcement, following concerns that many low-rise volume builders and tradies were missing out on opportunities under the current funding arrangements.

“Master Builders has consistently raised the potential limitations surrounding HAFF Round 3 and welcomes this commitment from Housing Australia, which has indicated it will prioritise up to 1,000 social and affordable homes through shovel-ready Class 1 projects.

“We now ask that this be rolled out as efficiently as possible, with transparency around delivery, to ensure these projects are completed, increase housing supply and assist Australians who need housing most.

“The legacy of the HAFF will ultimately be measured by how many homes are built.”

More information can be found on Housing Australia’s website at www.housingaustralia.gov.au/open-funding-round

Media contact: Dylan Hafey, Adviser, Media & Government Relations

0497 330 064 | dylan.hafey@masterbuilders.com.au