Basic Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) housing refers to ‘Existing’ and ‘Legacy’ building types enrolled in the SDA program but constructed prior to the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). In a policy context, the ‘Existing’ building type largely refers to group homes housing up to five residents, while ‘Legacy’ reflects congregate housing with six residents or more. Throughout this report the term Basic SDA is used to collectively describe both Existing and Legacy building types enrolled in the program under the Basic design category.

A large proportion of SDA dwellings are increasingly recognised as outdated, often inaccessible, in poor condition, not fit-for-purpose, costly to maintain and often failing to meet contemporary standards of community-based and more individualised housing for people with disabilities. Despite this, many people with disability continue to live in such housing due to a lack of suitable alternatives and systemic barriers to upgrading or relocating. Although the number of New Build SDA dwellings continues to grow, Basic properties still account for two out of every five dwellings enrolled in the SDA program.

Drawing on interviews with government and community sector stakeholders, and available quantitative data (albeit limited), this research highlights the physical and financial challenges associated with Basic SDA housing. A key finding is that SDA payments attached to Basic housing are insufficient to support the significant capital investment required for dwelling upgrades or replacements. 

The report identifies several promising practices and strategies and calls for urgent coordinated action across government and community sectors to facilitate the transition away from outdated housing models within the SDA program and towards contemporary, accessible housing that aligns with residents’ preferences and needs. The findings and recommendations aim to support practice and policy pathways for improving the quality and sustainability of housing for people with disability.