AFFORDABLE HOMES PROGRAM

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:16): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the minister representing the Minister for Housing a question about the Affordable Homes program.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: The Affordable Homes program is an initiative of Housing SA and makes home ownership more accessible for low to moderate income earners. A single person within the metropolitan area who earns less than $63,291 per year is considered to be an eligible buyer. Eligible homes, including ex-Housing SA homes, are listed on the Property Locator website and are available exclusively to eligible buyers for a specific period, which is usually two months.

My office recently contacted Housing SA to inquire about the program and was told that all Housing SA homes that had a value under $300,000 were considered eligible and should or would be listed on the Property Locator website. However, I note that late last year a number of properties owned by Housing SA with asking prices in the low to mid-$200,000 price range were auctioned to the general public. Given the initiatives that the state and federal governments have implemented recently to encourage first homebuyers to purchase properties, my questions to the minister are:

1. Why were these Housing SA properties not listed on the Property Locator as affordable homes?

2. What are the criteria for eligible homes for the Affordable Homes program?

3. Does the minister agree that, by auctioning affordable homes to the general public, it allows for investors to purchase these properties, thereby pushing first homebuyers out of the market and driving up the median house price?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (15:18): I thank the honourable member for his important question, and I will refer it to the Minister for Housing in another place and bring back a reply.