Programs

The National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) helps low and moderate income households rent private accommodation at an affordable rate. NRAS offers incentives to private investors to build and rent properties out. NRAS properties are managed by non-government organisations or private real estate managers. Rent can be no more than 80% of the market value for that area. You can get an indication of how much rent will be in certain areas on the NRAS Rent Guide. The 2014-15 household income eligibility limits are:

Household Income ($)

1st Adult $47,289

First Sole Parent $49,738

Each Additional Adult $18,089

Each Child $15,685

Further Eligibility Criteria applies. For more tenant information follow the links to the website below or call the number provided to leave a message for a return call.

For those having difficulty finding a place to rent, Housing SA may be able to help through designated staff support team. If you are applying for help paying bond or rent from Housing SA you may also be eligible for help securing a property to rent.

Private Rental Liaison Officers help people who aren't able to find or secure suitable private rental accommodation. They can provide advice and practical assistance with finding a suitable property, information on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, information, advice and referral to other organisations and support services that may be able to help you.

You may be eligible for this service if you are applying for help paying bond or rent and meet at least one of the following:

- have no previous private rental experience or history

- have difficulty dealing with the process of finding rental housing

- have difficulty getting private rental housing.

You will need to book an appointment with Housing SA to be assessed for this service. Private Rental Liaison Officer are contactable on the phone number below.

You may be able to get help with paying for all or part of a bond and up to two weeks' rent in advance from Housing SA. This is to help you secure a property, including: Private rentals, boarding houses & shelters, community housing (bond only).

For information including, eligibility criteria refer to the website below. Private Rental Liaison Officers can be contacted on the phone number below.

Eligibility

- Be a South Australian resident

- Not own or partly own any residential property

- Meet the income eligibility requirements

- Find suitable accommodation that is affordable on your income

Community housing is funded by the state government and administered, maintained and managed by not-for-profit, community-based organisations. The focus is on providing housing for people who have experienced homelessness, the aged, people with disabilities, survivors of domestic violence and people on a low income.

For more information visit the website below or see individual entries under "Accommodation".

Assistance for rent for people who receive a pension, allowance or benefit or receive more than the base amount of Family Tax Benefit from Commonwealth Government. To be eligible for Rent Assistance, you must be paying more than the minimum amount of rent - refer to the website below for payment rates and further eligibility information.

Provides rental properties for people on lower incomes where tenants typically pay no more than 25% of their income.

For further information the Centre is open from 8.30 am - 5.30 pm Monday to Friday and can be contacted on the number provided below.

The Seniors Housing Grant (SHG) is a once off grant of up to $8500, available to natural persons, aged 60 years or more, who are purchasing or building a new home valued up to $400 000 and will phase out for eligilble homes valued up to $450,000.

If you are unsure about any aspect concerning your eligibility, it is important that you contact RevenueSA on the number or email provided below for clarification before proceeding with your application.

Help to purchase a home through specialist loans and products that can reduce upfront costs

Located at 153 Flinders Street, Adelaide SA 5000. Reception Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 5:30pm.

From 27th July 2016, Homestart will be moving offices to 169 Pirie Street, Adelaide SA 5000.

Customer Contact Centre is open Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday: 10am to 1pm

Want more information about buying a home in South Australia, or have a question about your application or loan? You can contact the HomeStart Customer Contact Centre on the number below.

The Affordable Homes Program gives eligible buyers the opportunity to buy homes throughout South Australia at a reasonable cost, before they are available on the open market — meaning low to moderate income earners exclusively have the opportunity to purchase a home for a period of time at a fixed price, without having to compete with investors.

Want to be among the first to know about available Affordable Homes? Get your preferred property alerts emailed to you.

Visit affordablehomes.sa.gov.au for more information, and to subscribe.