May 10, 2022

Ivanhoé Cambridge invests into Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) platform in Australia

Ivanhoé Cambridge recently committed to the investment of the development of accommodation assets for people with disability in Australia with the investment in a Macquarie Asset Management managed platform. The platform pursues investment opportunities in Specialist Disability Accommodation (“SDA”) assets, seeking to finance a growing portfolio of innovative and high-quality housing that is well integrated into urban communities.

Facilitate the provision of equitable accommodation for people with disability in Australia

Since the Federal Government announced support initiatives, enabling private sector funding to accelerate the growth of SDA, Macquarie Group financed a portfolio of SDA dwellings and built dedicated expertise and asset management capabilities.

“We are proud to invest alongside like-minded investors into such a unique project with high-impact and positive social outcomes”, commented Sunita Mahant, Head of Global Initiatives, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Ivanhoé Cambridge.

“This is a concrete illustration of one of our diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic objectives, which is to lead by example and influence the real estate industry as an investor driving change and choosing to build a more inclusive future by creating spaces where we all belong.”

Facing the shortage of SDA housing in Australia, the platform will continue to acquire new build dwellings to cater for individuals with “extreme functional impairment” or “very high support needs”. The strategy operates within Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (“NDIS”), which seeks to support the provision of high-quality, purpose-built dwellings for around 6 per cent (~28,000) of the most vulnerable Australians by funding their accommodation.

Further diversification of Ivanhoé Cambridge’s portfolio to alternative sectors with favorable fundamentals in Asia-Pacific

The platform aims to increase the number of dwellings mainly in and near Australian mainland capital cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, diversifying its exposure into different SDA-built forms and partnering with an expanding network of SDA partners.

“The investment provides a unique opportunity for us to be a part of a program that seeks to improve the well-being of Australians living with disability through the provision of high quality and innovative dwellings that are well integrated into urban communities. Furthermore, it emphasizes our commitment to making impact-driven investments within the real estate sector”, commented Josephine Yip, Senior Director, Investment and Asset Management, Asia Pacific at Ivanhoé Cambridge.

All assets to be carbon neutral in operations

The platform expects to maintain high ESG credentials for the assets and is committed to carbon neutrality in operations – dwellings are highly energy efficient, as accredited by Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (“NatHERS”) – and participates in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (“GRESB”).

Side opening oven and safety heat mat
Wheelchair access to common areas


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