Abigail and her 2 daughters have moved into their new home in regional Victoria.
Abigail is a member of the Larrakeyah Common Equity Rental Housing Co-Operative (CERC) and is a proud renter in one of 6 brand-new social homes in Greater Geelong.
The social homes were delivered in partnership between Homes Victoria and Common Equity Housing Limited (CEHL), with each home allocated to residents by the Larrakeyah CERC rental co-operative.
Abigail described moving into her new home as "the best feeling ever”.
“We got in and my daughter Imogen said ‘Wow, Mum, it’s our new home! It’s so nice!"
About co-operative housing
Co-operative housing provides a level of certainty by giving renters more say in the management of their housing.
Abigail isn’t just a renter - she’s a member of the Larrakeyah co-operative.
Members of the housing co-operative are involved in the management of the co-operative’s properties and are responsible for things like arranging maintenance and making tenancy decisions.
Liz Thomas, Managing Director of Common Equity Housing Limited, said being a member of a housing co-op means “you’re more than just a renter.”
“The power of housing co-operatives is where the members are in charge of the renter selection process,” she said.
"Once CEHL had handed [the 6 units] over to the co-op, they were tenanted and occupied within 3 days.”
Larrakeyah currently manage co-operative housing units in the Geelong area.
Kevin, a Larrakeyah Common Equity Rental Housing Co-Operative board member and maintenance director described co-operative housing as the “best-kept secret in Australia.”
“They’ve allowed me to find 6 lots of people to fill 6 brand-new units and hand over the keys. It’s the happiest day I’ve had for a while,” he said.
About the project
These new homes in Greater Geelong were completed by builder EveryOne Homes in February 2024. The homes accommodate various family sizes with a mix of 4 two-bedroom and 2 three-bedroom social housing homes, all owned and managed by CEHL.
The project has a 7-Star Nationwide Housing Energy Rating Scheme rating – meaning it’s easier to keep the home cool in summer and warm in winter, while also saving on power bills.
These homes also comply with the Livable Housing Australia Silver Standard, making it easier and cheaper to install home modifications if renters need them.
These private and secure homes are within easy access of public transport, health services, schools, and community facilities. Residents also have shops, community facilities and workplaces nearby, enabling them to live, work and play locally.
Learn more about how Homes Victoria are working in partnership with the community housing sector.