Applications have opened for Australia’s newly minted $10-billion Housing Australia Future Fund initiative that will provide funding for more social and affordable housing. 

HAFF makes provisions for 30,000 new and affordable social houses to be built within the first five years off the back of returns from its dedicated investment vehicle, which is tied to the stock market. 

But the first round of funding will focus on shovel-ready projects to get the wheels in motion, with an 18-month delivery deadline attached to the grant.