Modular’s Role in Affordable Housing Crisis Explained

Australia’s affordable housing crisis has continued to grow over recent decades due to a myriad of contributing factors; however, the most fundamental factor is the imbalance between supply and demand.

Recent government forecasts make it clear that demand for homes will soar to 178,800 per annum within two years, well in excess of the long-run average yearly production of 142,700 homes.

Inevitably, the end result will see housing unaffordability skyrocket.

The Urban Development Institute of Australia recently responded to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Tax and Revenue’s Inquiry into Housing Affordability and Supply in Australia, making clear the requirements for the nation’s path to recovery.

The UDIA’s prioritised recommendations included better strategic planning, land use, integrated approvals, and housing supply outcomes to assist in keeping home ownership affordable and meeting the housing demand of our country’s growing population.

Volo Modular Homes marketing director Ashley Glenister said modular homes could provide the solution to fostering balance between supply and demand.

“Modular homes are factbuilt homes that are then delivered to site in sections and assembled seamlessly with all the necessary connections,” Glenister said.

“Perfectly built to design specifications, modular homes offer cost-saving, quality homes, with substantially decreased construction time.

“As modular home builders, Volo has the capacity to quickly and efficiently respond to demand, while producing a consistent level of supply that delivers housing choice and diversity.”

Building a modular home takes around 30 to 50 per cent less time to build than a home built using traditional techniques, with a smaller impact on the land due to the reduced amount of time actually spent on the site.

“We operate from a 24/7 factory at Volo Modular, meaning we are able to build modular homes in a matter of weeks, saving time and money, and because we are building in a controlled setting, we are able to guarantee consistent quality,” Glenister said.

An additional benefit of building modular homes is opportunity for expansion.

Aimed at growing families, this affordable option allows buyers to start small and expand their home as they need to.

“The expandable home allows costs to be kept to a minimum, but allows the home to grow as needed, even if it’s years later,” Glenister said.

“Whether it is an extra bedroom, bathroom, living area or kitchen, the extensions are built with flexible designs capabilities and with the same consistent quality of the original home.”

Cost saving. Time saving. A more sustainable choice. In a world where the supply of housing cannot physically keep up with the demand, it is inevitable that modular home building will play a significant role in Australia’s social, affordable housing crisis roadmap to recovery, Glenister said.

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