One of the largest affordable and social housing construction programs in Western Australian history has reached a key milestone, with three builders locked in to deliver 1,146 new homes across the Perth metropolitan area.

The Cook and Albanese Labor Governments confirmed that PACT Construction, EMCO Building, and Icon Construction will deliver 14 build-to-rent apartment projects as part of a $443 million housing initiative designed to fast-track supply.

A Major Boost for Perth’s Housing Supply

The program is being jointly funded through the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) and the National Housing Accord Facility (NHAF), with upfront capital provided by the WA Government.

Under the plan, approximately 80 per cent of the apartments will be affordable housing and the remaining 20 per cent will be social housing. Crucially, all projects will be located close to METRONET stations or high-frequency transport corridors, connecting residents to jobs, schools, and services.

Construction will roll out in three stages, beginning in the first quarter of 2026, with build times forecast between 16 and 30 months.

Where the Homes Will Be Built

• PACT Construction will deliver 501 apartments across White Gum Valley, Ellenbrook, Wellard, Kelmscott, Subiaco, Butler, and Bassendean.
• EMCO Building will deliver 470 apartments across Woodbridge, Rivervale, Redcliffe, Cannington, Malaga, and Midland.
• Icon Construction has secured the Roe Street Perth City Link project (175 apartments) and is already progressing on Pier Street, East Perth, Perth’s first 100 per cent build-to-rent tower with 219 apartments.

The Pier Street project alone will provide 66 new social rentals and 44 affordable rentals, with full completion due in 2027.

Government Comments

WA Housing and Works Minister John Carey described the announcement as a pivotal step:

“With PACT, EMCO, and Icon Construction announced as the preferred builders, we have reached an important step in delivering 1,146 affordable and social homes.
By partnering with these top-tier apartment builders we can fast-track delivery in well-suited locations close to jobs, public transport and essential services.”

Federal Member for Perth Patrick Gorman added that the investment is proof of governments delivering on promises:

“Labor is building more homes right now, right here in Perth because more homes means more affordable housing for everyone. Boosting supply is a priority of the Albanese Government, and this milestone shows the scale of national investment flowing directly into our community.”

Industry Significance

This program sits within WA’s broader $5.8 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures and reflects the federal government’s push to use build-to-rent as a mechanism for supply.

By structuring the projects so that Community Housing Providers (CHPs) acquire the developments with access to concessional HAFF and NHAF loans, governments are aiming to create a sustainable pipeline of affordable rentals.

With demand for affordable rentals far outstripping supply in Perth vacancy rates remain below 1 per cent the significance of this program is not lost on industry stakeholders.

The TGB Take

This announcement represents a genuine step forward in tackling WA’s affordability crunch. The use of build-to-rent combined with CHP ownership offers a model that could be replicated nationally.

The challenge will be speed. While construction is not set to begin until 2026, pressure in the market is immediate. Builders, trades, and suppliers will be watching closely to see how procurement unfolds and whether government can accelerate approvals and delivery timelines to match community need.

Author: TGB Editorial