Imagine the impact for people waiting on the VHR if one-bedroomed homes could be built in less than 12 months and if the land required was already available.
Thankfully this is not some far-fetched concept, but a very feasible solution that Haven Home Safe is trying to raise the capital for to build 55 IMBY modular homes on existing land.
IMBY is short for ‘In My Back Yard’ and the ability to build a small second home up to 60 square meters in suitable backyards has been made easier through the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement which in late 2023 eased planning permit requirements for small second homes (commonly known as granny flats).
Haven Home Safe has identified 55 suitable backyards where they already own properties and IMBY modular homes could be built whilst maintaining privacy and space for the existing residents.
Almost half of these opportunities exist in the Bendigo region.
September 2024 data from the Victorian Housing Register (VHR) shows that 70.59% (32,007) of ‘new priority access applications’ require a one bedroom or rooming house style of dwelling.
The need for this type of housing is critical if we are going to resolve the housing crisis.
Anecdotally we know from the clients seeking our support that the VHR numbers often represent older Victorians and women. People priced and pushed out of the private rental market, who are now forced to live in their cars. The IMBY modular homes would deliver dignity, safety, security and affordable housing for people facing these circumstances.
The hard work has already been done to identify appropriate locations where the IMBY modular homes could be built with design and build costs quoted at $200,000 (2023 pricing), a comparatively affordable and environmentally friendly construction option that is quick to market.
Currently Haven Home Safe is seeking donations and support from individuals, businesses, and philanthropic organisations to help bring this concept to life.
The concept has already been proven successful. Recently, Haven Home Safe delivered 25 modular homes in Horsham, a mixture of one- and two-bedroom homes. These modular dwellings are now home to older couples, single parents and people priced out of the private rental market. People are excited to start their next chapter knowing they have a secure roof over their heads. Without the stress of housing uncertainty, they can focus on employment, study, volunteering, caring for their families and getting involved in their community.
We know that a home is so much more than walls and a roof, it has the capacity to change people’s lives and the communities in which they live. This is why Haven Home Safe is so passionate about partnering with like-minded people to help bring this concept to life.
If you’d like to find out more about how you can help support our IMBY pilot contact Haven Home Safe’s Head of Impact to discuss – bonnie.szymczak@hhs.org.au or click here to donate.
Image credit: ARKit Advanced Prefabricated Architecture
