Australia’s only dedicated affordable rental housing platform, WelcomeMat, is now a ‘Page 1 search result’ in a Google search for the term ‘affordable rental housing’.  A major reason is because the websites of the Department of Communities & Justice, industry peak bodies, community housing providers (CHPs) and other supporters now link to WelcomeMat www.welcomemat.com.au

WelcomeMat has also expanded beyond its initial coverage of Greater Sydney to include the Central Coast and Hunter Regions, both being areas with a critical shortage of affordable housing.

Central Coast-based Tier 1 CHP, Pacific Link, supported WelcomeMat since inception through buying listings before WelcomeMat’s go-live.

Ian Lynch, CEO of Pacific Link, said: ‘We are proud supporters of WelcomeMat, which is filling a much-needed gap in the market as a pathway for people to ascertain their eligibility, and then apply for available affordable rental properties.

‘Pacific Link’s own affordable rental properties are managed by our social enterprise real estate agent Key2 Realty (www.key2realty.com.au), in addition to other properties owned by private developers. The partnership with WelcomeMat is attractive to developers of affordable rental housing when Key2 Realty is negotiating new managements.’

The timing of WelcomeMat’s geographic expansion also fits well with the opening of Amelie Housing’s latest SAHF project at Cardiff, west of Newcastle, where 25 new affordable apartments are now listed on WelcomeMat for rent. These are in addition to the social housing component of the Cardiff project.

WelcomeMat’s co-founder and CEO, Mark Khoo, said: ‘If you know anyone who may be looking for affordable rental housing in Greater Sydney, Central Coast and Hunter regions, please refer them to www.welcomemat.com.au

‘Similarly, if your organisation has any affordable rental housing vacancy, consider signing-up as an Affordable Housing Provider on WelcomeMat and listing the property on the portal.

‘Lastly, if your organisation’s website includes a link to WelcomeMat, this may also help housing applicants who visit your website.’