The SA Housing Trust is piloting a new type of housing in Adelaide. Helping to bridge the gap between detached homes and large apartment buildings, ‘missing middle’ homes include a range of low-rise, medium-density homes like duplexes, manor homes and small apartment buildings. This type of housing sits between a single detached house and a large apartment complex. Missing middle homes provide smaller, well-designed options within established suburbs while maintaining neighbourhood character and supporting affordability.
The pilot development at Blair Athol will feature a ‘manor house’ design. From the street, it will appear as a large home that blends into the existing streetscape, but it will include multiple thoughtfully designed, low-density apartments. These homes will be public housing but the broader initiative means homes like this can also be available for private ownership through the government's Rent to Own scheme, and later accessed by private builders through a pattern book.
The homes prioritise liveability, with off-street parking, direct stair access and balconies. Ground-floor units will be accessible and feature private courtyards. A shared greenspace and community garden will also support wellbeing for manor residents.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion said the initiative is a 'perfect affordable option' for first homebuyers or those looking to downsize at a modest price.
'Missing middle housing will give South Australians a genuine new option to live affordably in the suburbs they know and love,' he said.
The initiative has been developed in collaboration with industry, including the Housing Industry Association (HIA), Master Builders Association (MBA), private sector builders and the State Planning Commission.