More than a property upgrade
Believe Housing Australia tenants Lyn and Des have welcomed renovations to several key spaces of their 1970s-built home in Adelaide’s north.
The bathroom, toilet, and laundry, all of which were original to the house and had never been upgraded, were selected by Believe Housing Australia to be renovated to bring the house up to community housing maintenance standards.
The fresh-looking spaces, which took a total of six weeks to complete, were renovated with Lyn and Des’s needs and preferences in mind, making their home fit for purpose.
The couple said the original layout of their bathroom was not functional for daily use, with a small bathtub and a fan that would blow the curtain into the shower.
They asked Believe Housing Australia if they could have a shower and tub combo to maximise the space and make it functional, while the team also installed grab rails so the space could continue to be used as the couple age.
Des said the bathroom felt like a completely different space.
“We have never had a new bathroom before,” Des said.
“It is like we came out of living in the 1970s and into the 21st century.”
Lyn said Believe Housing Australia had done a magnificent job with the renovations.
“The spaces look fresh,” Lyn said.
“The colours they have chosen – greys and whites – are calming.
“It was like they were just moulding the renovation to what our home required.”
The brand-new bathroom, toilet, and laundry followed the kitchen renovation that was completed before the couple moved into the home in 2020.
Property upgrade commitment
The renovations are part of Believe Housing Australia’s commitment to inspecting, maintaining, and making improvements to its properties to provide quality homes for tenants.
Property upgrades could include full bathroom or kitchen renovations, fresh paint, or new flooring.
In the 2024-2025 financial year, 310 property renovations were completed, including more than 80 kitchen and 50 bathroom upgrades.
These upgrades are prioritised for older properties like Lyn and Des’s, which are in the greatest need of attention, to maintain Believe Housing Australia’s social and community housing stock.
Believe Housing Australia is also investing more than $1.2 million over three years to improve the energy efficiency of its properties in a partnership with the Australian Government’s Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI).
Coordinator, Housing Assets and Maintenance, Steven Adey, said the property upgrades were more than just a facelift – they were life-changing for tenants.
“We want every tenant to have a home that meets their needs – not just structurally, but in terms of comfort, dignity, and wellbeing,” Steven said.
“These upgrades enhance the wellbeing, relationships, and health of those living in the home.
“Good housing is the foundation for a good life.”
