Adelaide’s first purpose-built, affordable, long-term rental housing for women opens

Adelaide has made a groundbreaking step forward in gender-responsive housing with the official opening of a $15.7 million affordable housing development dedicated to providing stable, affordable, long-term rental homes for women-led families.

Developed by YWCA Australia – the country’s only national specialist women’s housing provider – this landmark project will be home for up to 57 residents, prioritising women and their families, to feel safe, secure and able to rebuild their lives.

The apartments are available below market rent to women who are priced out of the private rental market. First residents are expected within weeks.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas officially unveiled the development – the first of its kind opened in Adelaide and the first built in the state by YWCA Australia - to help address a national shortage of long-term, affordable rental homes for women, and their children, at risk of homelessness, including women impacted by family and domestic violence.

Designed by Tridente Boyce and constructed by Tandem Building, the development includes 24, one, two and three-bedroom apartments built over seven storeys in a prime CBD location, with a shared alfresco space overlooking Adelaide’s spectacular parklands and hills.

More than just housing, the development represents YWCA Australia’s commitment to ensuring women and gender-diverse people have access to homes designed for their unique needs, as part of its $100 million investment in gender-responsive housing.

YWCA’s Adelaide Affordable Housing Development is being funded by YWCA Australia, with support from the South Australian Government through a $5 million no-interest loan repaid within a 20-year term.

Attributable to Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas:

“This is the first of its kind in the city, supporting vulnerable women and their families by providing safe and affordable long-term rentals to call home.

“The Labor Government is proud to back developments like this, providing the financial support that ensures these projects off the ground.”

Attributable to YWCA Australia Chief Executive Officer Michelle Phillips:

“Safe homes are key to building equal futures. For 57 women and their families, that future starts now in this modern building that will soon become home.

“This is more than just a roof over someone’s head. This is a starting point for someone to build the future they want, with the security of a safe and affordable home. 

“This project is a first for YWCA Australia in Adelaide. We made a bold decision to invest into a project where we could build long-term, affordable homes in a new location for us, where we knew there was a need in the community. And this is just the beginning.

“YWCA has ambitious plans to continue to grow affordable housing so that we can meet the unique needs of women and gender-diverse people and we look forward to working with the South Australian Government on creating more homes in the future.”

Attributable to Commercial & General group of companies Executive Chair Jamie McClurg:

“This project holds particular significance for Tandem. Working alongside YWCA and Moto Projects, the team felt a deep sense of purpose, knowing that this build would soon provide safe and secure housing for those in vulnerable situations.

“We are proud to have delivered this community-shaping project that makes a lasting social impact – and look forward to further opportunities to partner with YWCA on future projects.

“We are proud to have delivered YWCA’s first South Australian development, supporting its national mission to provide safe and affordable housing for women. This is more than just a building—it’s a foundation for brighter futures."