Our responsible pricing model
For a fairer way to rent
Backed by impact-lead investors
Our responsible pricing model
What it is
Our reduced rent apartments, houses, and townhomes provide eligible households with rent set at 25% below the market rate for equivalent homes nearby.
For reduced rent housing funded with government support, the Australian Government or relevant state and territory governments help cover the gap between the reduced rent you pay and the full market rate.
For reduced rent housing delivered as part of a planning outcome, the reduced rent is provided through the development agreement with no Australian Government support.
We match reduced rent homes with tenants based on household composition and income, making sure they go to eligible households, with options to suit a range of household types, including singles, couples, families and housesharers.
The aim is simple: reduce rental stress by offering fair access to well-designed, secure and professionally managed rental homes.
Eligibility
Who it's for
Reduced rent homes funded with the Australian Government are available to households who meet income eligibility thresholds set by Housing Australia, from key workers and single parents to early career professionals, or anyone priced out of renting near their work.
Our other reduced rent homes are subject to similar income eligibility criteria as set out in the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic).
The eligibility criteria is simple
You may qualify if:
- Youare at least 18 years of age
- Your Gross Income its equal to or less than the income threshold, based on who lives in your home (aka household composition)
- You have a good rental history or, if you're a new renter, good character references
- You don't currently own residential real estate.
Income limits depend on household size
Income limits depend on household size. For August 2026 - July 2027, the current bands are:
Household type | Housing Australia | Planning and Environment Act - Greater Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
Single person household | $76,041 | $77,390 |
Couples or 2 singles | $114,061 | $116,080 |
Family or shared group | $159,686 | $162,510 |
Income bands are indexed each year using statistical data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Rent as a % of your income is a qualifying factor
We also check that your rent won’t exceed 30% of your income – a common benchmark for avoiding rental stress.
Applications are assessed individually, so there’s flexibility built in where we can.
Over the income limit? You still belong here
Even if your household income exceeds the income limits, you can still join a community that welcomes people from all walks of life.
Explore our market-rate apartments, which offer the same high-quality design, shared spaces and professional management that make renting with Assemble special.
Where it’s available
Find your next home
Reduced rent apartments are currently offered at Swift Walk, Kensington and Victoria Street, Brunswick, and soon a number of other projects in Victoria, and across New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia.
Reduced rent houses and townhomes are currently offered in Victoria and Queensland, expanding into New South Wales and South Australia soon.
Australia's rental crisis
Why we offer it
Because renting shouldn't hurt renters
Housing affordability is a challenge across Australia. We believe renting shouldn’t come at the expense of living.
Meeting the need for a fairer way to rent
Quality housing belongs to everyone and good neighbourhoods thrive when they include everyone – from nurses to retirees, young families to people living with disabilities. It’s about creating communities that reflect real life.
Backed by progressive policy and impact-led investors
To deliver on our promise, we've partnered with investors, government partners including Housing Australia and State governments, and funding partners such as ANZ, NAB and Commonwealth Bank.
FAQs
The finer details