Coopers Plains builds Queensland seniors’ homes to encourage social housing downsizing

A new 11-unit development has been built for Coopers Plains seniors under a government decision to reduce the burden of larger houses on the elderly.

Queensland Housing Minister Tim Mander said that this development would assist those in three-bedroom plus homes to downsize into more physically and financially appropriate properties.

The development is managed by the 4Walls housing group.

“These tenants were in houses that were too large for their needs and they wanted something more manageable, while we have many needy families waiting for houses with three or more bedrooms to become available,” he said.

“Historically, larger families were occupying the majority of social housing dwellings in Queensland, so most of the state’s housing stock comprises three and four bedroom houses.”

He also noted that a challenge for tenants and the government is the upkeep, with more than 60% of the homes being 20 years old or more. More than 50% of the social housing tenants are individuals, requiring one to two bedroom apartments.

“Now that these senior residents have more suitable accommodation, the larger three-bedroom properties are available for families who have urgent housing needs,” he said.