YS Housing Ltd

YS Housing Ltd is an Australian not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing affordable and sustainable housing in Melbourne. Founded with the ambitious goal of supporting the delivery of over 1,000 new affordable homes by 2030, YS Housing emphasizes innovative, all-electric designs and environmentally conscious practices.

History and Mission

The organization was born out of a necessity to address the housing challenges in Australia from a grassroots level. It focuses on building high-quality homes that are both sustainable and economically accessible. YS Housing's mission is to create vibrant communities by blending affordability with thoughtful building practices that prioritize quality and sustainability.

Projects and Initiatives

Some of YS Housing's notable projects include developments at Shand Road and Edwardes Street, both of which highlight the organization's dedication to innovative housing solutions. The Edwardes Street project, set to launch in 2025, represents a significant step towards making homeownership more accessible to those who may be otherwise locked out of the market.

Open Homeownership Initiative

One of the key initiatives by YS Housing is the introduction of a shared-equity model planned for launch in 2025. This model aims to open up homeownership opportunities with a reduced mortgage size of up to 40%, requiring only a 2% deposit, and offering no stamp duty. This initiative is backed by government support and reflects YS Housing's commitment to making housing more accessible.

Team and Leadership

The organization boasts a diverse and experienced leadership team. Notable figures include Oscar McLennan, CEO & Co-Founder, who brings a background in architecture and urban design, having worked on award-winning cultural projects in Melbourne. Milly Gamlin serves as Design Director & Co-Founder, with a strong legal and governance background, while Lachlan Molesworth oversees legal and governance matters.

Approach to Sustainability

YS Housing collaborates with various partners to ensure its projects are not only affordable but also environmentally sustainable. The organization has partnered with entities like the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Water Sensitive Cities to innovate rainwater reuse strategies tailored to specific sites.

Community Impact

By focusing on high-quality, sustainable housing solutions, YS Housing aims to contribute significantly to addressing Melbourne's housing needs. The organization's commitment to sustainability and accessibility aligns with broader efforts to build more equitable and sustainable communities in Australia.

[1] https://yshousing.org.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/5736f441-16c7-ea11-a812-000d3ad1f9f4/profile [3] https://yshousing.org.au/team [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/5736f441-16c7-ea11-a812-000d3ad1f9f4/documents/af6f0609-ac96-ed11-aad1-00224811425f [5] https://www.housingchoices.org.au/about-us/