What is meanwhile use?
‘Meanwhile use’ describes the temporary use of vacant homes or buildings before they are sold, redeveloped or brought back into permanent use.
Meanwhile use provides vital short-term housing support for people in crisis or facing housing instability or homelessness. It is a lifeline that helps people regain stability when they need it most, and while they work toward securing long-term housing.
Homes NSW Meanwhile Use Policy
As part of our work to deliver quality homes and services that change lives and end homelessness, Homes NSW has developed, for the first time, a Meanwhile Use Policy.
Under the policy, Homes NSW will partner with community housing providers (CHPs), who will restore and manage the properties under an agreed lease of at least 6 months. A nominal lease fee of $1 will be charged.
The policy ensures the management of meanwhile use properties is cost-neutral for CHPs. Reimbursement is available for reasonable losses.
At the end of the lease term, the property is handed back to Homes NSW to continue redevelopment to deliver more new social and affordable housing in NSW.
Download the Homes NSW Meanwhile Use Policy
Download the Homes NSW Lease Agreement
CHP register of interest
CHPs are invited to register their interest in partnering with Homes NSW to deliver transitional housing under our Meanwhile Use Policy and lease agreement.
Eligible CHPs must:
- be currently providing transitional housing
- make themselves familiar with the policy and lease terms sheet during the ROI process
- demonstrate they have the experience and capacity to fund restorations, manage properties and comply with Homes NSW monitoring.
Download the ROI form
Applications can be submitted to HomesNSWMeanwhileUse@homes.nsw.gov.au
Contact us
Property Access and Performance, Programs and Partnership team
HomesNSWMeanwhileUse@homes.nsw.gov.au