Brisbane’s rental market gets a boost as the state government partners with the private sector to deliver nearly 400 new homes under its Build-to-Rent pilot program.

New Approach to Tackle an Old Problem

Queensland’s housing landscape is undergoing a major shake-up. With affordability at breaking point and rental demand surging, the Crisafulli Government has launched an ambitious initiative to deliver more homes faster. The first tangible outcome: a 396-apartment complex in Brisbane’s sought-after inner suburb of Newstead, spearheaded by leading property developer Mirvac.

This development, LIV Anura, is the first of three projects under the government’s Build-to-Rent (BTR) pilot program, an initiative designed to ease what ministers are now calling “Labor’s Housing Crisis” by providing high-quality rental stock and targeted affordability measures.

Inside LIV Anura: What’s on Offer?

LIV Anura is no ordinary apartment block. The two-building project offers:

• 396 apartments, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom configurations
  
• 99 affordable apartments reserved for eligible local workers living within 10 kilometres of the site
  
• 3,000 sqm of indoor and outdoor resident spaces for community living
  
• 1,000 sqm of boutique retail to activate the streetscape
  

The concept aligns with global BTR trends, where large-scale rental projects focus on security, quality, and community amenities, features often absent in traditional rental stock.

A $8.1 Billion Housing Commitment

The BTR pilot program forms part of the government’s record $8.1 billion housing investment over the next five years, alongside a bold target to deliver 1 million new homes by 2044. This strategy aims to correct years of undersupply that have driven rents skyward.

Treasurer and Minister for Home Ownership, David Janetzki, framed the project as a decisive step toward housing stability.

“Every Queenslander deserves a roof over their head, and we’re firmly focused on unlocking new land for housing, boosting home ownership and easing pressure for renters,” Janetzki said.

“The majority of residential housing is delivered by the private sector, and projects like this show what’s possible when we work together.”

What Went Wrong Under Labor?

Housing Minister Sam O’Connor did not mince words when contrasting the current plan with the previous government’s record.

“Under Labor, rents soared 60 per cent because supply simply didn’t keep pace with demand,” he said.

“On average, only 509 social homes were built each year over a decade. At that rate, hitting the state’s target of 53,500 social and community homes would have taken more than 100 years.”

The new administration’s approach—leveraging private capital to accelerate supply—marks a shift from traditional government-led housing delivery models.

The Private Sector’s Role: Why It Matters

Mirvac CEO and Managing Director, Campbell Hanan, emphasised the importance of collaboration.

“Delivering a diverse range of housing supply that meets growing demand is key to improving access to housing for Queenslanders,” Hanan said.

“LIV Anura shows what can be achieved when industry and government work together.”

The project is backed by heavyweight partners Mitsubishi Estate Asia and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, signalling strong investor confidence in Queensland’s BTR market.

Beyond Newstead: What’s Next?

Two more Build-to-Rent projects are on the horizon, expected to bring the program’s total contribution to more than 1,200 new homes for Queensland renters. Combined with the state’s broader housing plan—which includes $1.967 billion for social and community housing—the government is setting a new benchmark for how public and private sectors can join forces to tackle a crisis.

The Bigger Picture

Build-to-Rent is not a silver bullet, but it’s an important lever in addressing Queensland’s housing shortage. By offering professionally managed rentals with long-term security, BTR developments could ease pressure on the private rental market and provide stability for working families who struggle with rising rents and limited supply.

The TGB Take

For builders, developers, and investors, this move signals two key opportunities:

1. Partnership Potential – Expect more public-private collaboration as governments look for scalable solutions to housing shortages.
   
2. Design Innovation – The success of projects like LIV Anura will depend on creating communities, not just apartments. Builders who understand lifestyle trends—flexible spaces, communal areas, sustainability—will have a competitive edge.
   

The housing conversation is no longer just about supply; it’s about how quickly and effectively we can deliver liveable, affordable homes without compromising quality. Build-to-Rent could be a cornerstone in that strategy.

Author: TGB Editorial