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🇦🇺 Australia /Economy & Trade

Developer tried to end affordable housing period early at Sydney complex

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A major developer, Landmark Group, is accused of attempting to prematurely end affordable housing commitments at a Sydney complex.
  • The developer's actions have drawn criticism from residents and a state housing regulator for lacking fairness and transparency.
  • Landmark Group's conduct contrasts with its public image as a leader in addressing the housing crisis.

Landmark Group, a prominent property developer that publicly champions affordable housing initiatives, has reportedly attempted to terminate its affordable housing obligations at a Sydney development two years earlier than agreed. The developer argued that changes in New South Wales planning laws superseded its original contract with the local council.

This move has led to a rebuke from a state housing regulator earlier this year. The regulator found that Landmark's community housing subsidiary failed to adhere to rules mandating fair and transparent dealings with residents. Furthermore, the developer successfully reduced its affordable housing contribution at another project during its construction phase in early 2025.

I panicked.

— Carly GerslingA resident describing her reaction to learning about Landmark Group's plan to end affordable housing commitments.

These actions stand in stark contrast to Landmark's self-proclaimed role as a leader in the "housing crisis response." An advertorial in the Sydney Morning Herald last year stated the company had a "long-term commitment to affordable housing initiatives… that expedite building quality homes for essential workers."

I was stressed. Really stressed, thinking I was going to have to move again.

— Carly GerslingA resident expressing her anxiety over potential displacement due to changes in housing arrangements.

However, residents like Carly Gersling, a disability worker living in the affected units, expressed feelings of insecurity. Gersling discovered Landmark's plan to revert the units to market-rate housing through a notice pinned to the building's entrance. She stated, "I panicked," fearing increased rent or displacement. Landmark had initially secured approval for the 74-apartment development, known as The Madison, by agreeing to allocate 50% of the units for affordable housing for ten years in exchange for increased density allowances.

Sutherland Shire Council planning officers recommended rejecting Landmark's application to end the affordable housing period early. Their assessment warned that the proposal would "result in the loss of 37 affordable housing units, significantly worsening Sydney's housing shortage and displacing existing residents," and undermine the original consent, causing adverse social and economic impacts.

result in the loss of 37 affordable housing units, significantly worsening Sydney's housing shortage and displacing existing residents.

— Sutherland Shire Council planning officersThe council's assessment of Landmark Group's application to end affordable housing commitments early.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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