About the project
Turner One is a new 55-home rental development in Canberra’s inner north, built in partnership with Canberra PCYC. Comprised of 31 two-bedroom homes and 24 one-bedroom homes, it sits on the site of the former PCYC building in Turner. Demolition of the existing structure was completed in November 2025, making way for one of the most affordable, high-quality housing developments in Canberra.
The development delivers two distinct housing streams:
- Affordable housing: rent set at no more than 75% of the market rent, available to people on low to moderate incomes who are locked out of the private rental market.
- Social housing: rent set at no more than 25% of household income, dedicated to young people aged 16 to 24 who are transitioning to independence.
Alongside the homes, a ground-floor social enterprise café will provide real employment and training pathways for young people, operated in partnership with Canberra PCYC.
A community partnership
Turner One is delivered by CHC Australia in partnership with Canberra PCYC with support from Snow Foundation, the ACT Government through its Affordable Housing Project Fund and the Federal Government through the Housing Australia Future Fund.
Who it's for
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Register your interest
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Who It’s For
Affordable rental homes - 45 homes
31 two-bedroom and 14 one-bedroom apartments
For people working in roles that matter to Canberra but who are increasingly locked out of the private rental market. This includes workers in healthcare, hospitality, retail, community services, education and other low to moderate income roles.
- Rent set at no more than 75% of market rent
- Must meet CHC affordable housing eligibility criteria
Homes for young people - 10 homes
10 one-bedroom apartments
For young people aged 16 to 24 who are transitioning to independence. These homes are allocated through Canberra PCYC and are not open for public application.
- Rent set at no more than 25% of household income
- Allocated and supported by Canberra PCYC
- Not open for public application – contact PCYC for more information.
What is “affordable housing”, and am I eligible?
At CHC, affordable housing is designed to help people on low and moderate incomes access secure, long‑term rental housing at a lower cost than the private market.
At Turner, rents are set at around 75% of the local market rent and are designed so that eligible households generally spend no more than 30% of their gross income (before‑tax) on rent.
You may qualify if you:
- Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Do not own property or have assets or savings that could meet your housing needs.
- Have lived in the ACT for at least 6 months.
- Can sustain a tenancy and demonstrate capacity to save.
- Meet the income eligibility requirements.
How rent and income eligibility work together
To be eligible, your household income must fall below the maximum income limits shown in the table below and the weekly rent cost should not exceed 30% of your weekly household income.
Income eligibility thresholds (ACT maximum):
(For one- and two‑bedroom homes)
| Household composition | Maximum household income |
|---|---|
| One adult | $100,000 |
| Two adults | $100,000 |
| Three adults | $110,842 |
| Sole parent with one child | $100,000 |
| Sole parent with two children | $107,710 |
| Couple with one child | $107,650 |
| Couple with two children | $128,482 |
A simple example (indicative only).
- If the market rent for a property is approximately $600 per week
- Then the affordable rent charged would be below 75% of that, or $450 per week (around $23,400 per year)
- To keep rent at or below 30% of income, your minimum combined gross household income would need to be approximately $78,000 per year and no more than the maximum.
This ensures the rent is affordable for your household and helps prevent financial strain. In practice, your income needs to sit within the minimum and maximum thresholds for your household type. These thresholds are set by the ACT Government and ensure homes go to people who need them most.
Project timeline
Demolition complete
November 2025
Construction commenced
January 2026
Registrations of Interest
May 2026
Structure complete (topping out)
mAY 2026
Fit-out and internal works
Applications open
Initial Unit Allocations and Offers commence
Practical completion
February 2027 (anticipated)
Move-ins commence
March 2027
* Timeline is representative only and subject to change.
Why this project matters
Canberra doesn’t just have a housing affordability problem. It has a location problem.
People who keep the city running are being priced out of the areas they need to be in. At the same time, young people starting out in unstable housing often have nowhere safe or affordable to land.
Turner One tackles both – not by separating housing and support, but by bringing them together in a way that works in real life.
This is about living closer to work, reducing commute and cost pressure, creating stability, and building pathways, not just providing a roof.
Register your interest
If it sounds like you meet the eligibility requirements for the 45 units, register your interest now.
Contact PCYC for more information about the 10 units allocated to young people (ages 16/24)
Register your Interest
Make a general enquiry instead
Register your interest in Turner One.
A limited number of homes are available.
An initiative of CHC Australia
CHC Australia
CHC is the largest provider of affordable and social housing based in Canberra.
We are a Tier 1 registered Community Housing Provider, with over 25 years’ experience delivering for the Canberra community.
Supported by our partners
Canberra PCYC
Youth partner and cafe operator
Core Building Group
Builder
Snow Foundation
Philanthropic partner
Boorer Foundation
Philanthropic partner
ACT Government
Funding partner
Housing Australia
Funding partner
