International measures to channel investment towards affordable rental housing: Austrian case study
This report, commissioned by the Western Australian Government, examines Austria’s innovative approach to financing affordable housing, specifically focusing on the effectiveness of limited-profit housing models. It highlights how Austria uses low-interest public loans, subsidies, and Housing Construction Convertible Bonds (HCCBs)—tax-advantaged bonds issued by private banks—to lower housing costs and attract private finance. The report suggests this model offers valuable insights for Australia, recommending further analysis on developing stable subsidies, demand assistance for low-income households, and competitive land development to meet affordable housing needs.
Authored by Edwin Deutsch and Julie Lawson with contribution from Mag. Andreas Oberhuber, FGW for the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute RMIT Research Centre on behalf of the Government of Western Australia
December 2012
You can view the report at this link.