Better homes.
A better way to pay.
You know what would make your home better. Finding the money upfront can put those improvements out of reach.
Property Linked Finance offers another way. A capital provider pays for eligible improvements. The owner pays a scheduled property charge through council rates. If the property is sold, future payments stay with it, alongside the improvement the next owner gets to enjoy.
Australia already uses this approach for commercial buildings through Environmental Upgrade Agreements. PLFA's white paper sets out how to open a household market, with simpler administration, more choice and protections built in from the start.
Three state reforms.
One open market.
Less red tape.
One clear process. Proportionate assessment. Consumer protections applied once.
More choice.
Equal access for qualified capital providers, with one statewide administrator chosen by government.
Start with Victoria’s existing framework. Make it simpler to use, open to qualified providers and available for better homes.
All land, eligible.
Include residential and commercial property, new homes and refinancing of recently completed eligible works.
A fair choice
for renters, too.
Renters should have a say in improving the homes they live in, with the freedom to say no.
A separate tenancy amendment would allow a renter to choose a contribution of up to half the annual charge. The owner would remain responsible for the full property charge.
Existing minimum housing standards would remain the owner's responsibility. A contribution would not guarantee that the renter's energy savings exceed their payment.
01
Written, informed consent, with the contribution separate from rent. A renter could decline or end it.
A voluntary decision.
02
Half is the ceiling.
No more than half the annual charge. An increase in rent for the same improvement would reduce the contribution dollar for dollar.
03
A fresh choice when people move.
The contribution would end with the tenancy. The next renter would make their own decision.
04
No penalty for saying no.
No eviction, non-renewal, refusal of a tenancy or retaliatory rent increase for declining to contribute.
Two clear answers
from Canberra.
Credit and mortgage treatment
Tax and superannuation
We're asking for clear rules on how lenders treat an existing property charge, and on consumer protections when an owner signs up.
We're asking for clear treatment for owners, investors and super funds, including self-managed funds.
Research informing the reforms.
Property Linked Finance for Housing Transformation
Commissioned by PLFA. Recommends centralised or accredited third-party administration in place of council-by-council opt-in.
Unlocking Finance and Investment for the Decarbonisation of Commercial Buildings
Identifies streamlined, centralised PLF administration as a high-priority opportunity for commercial buildings.
Financing Residential Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Recommends changes to responsible-lending guidance and finance design for residential energy upgrades.
Principles, implementation pathways, lessons from existing markets and climate-resilience guidance.