Set to deliver 290 new homes for Brisbane in 2025, leading social and affordable housing provider Brisbane Housing Company (BHC) has been recognised by Queensland’s peak real estate body for making strides to address the state’s housing crisis.

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) today congratulated BHC for its efforts to deliver much-needed homes for Queenslanders and strengthen community resilience as the independent not-for profit forges ahead with its largest development pipeline in more than 20 years.

BHC Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Oelkers said the organisation had 17 active projects in various stages of planning and construction across south-east Queensland.

“Essential workers and low-income families and individuals across Queensland have been hardest hit by the rapidly escalating private housing market,” Ms Oelkers said.

“We are directing every effort to deliver our record development pipeline, which comprises a mix of a social and affordable housing in key areas such as Toowoomba, Brisbane, and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

“Our footprint across southeast Queensland already includes 2,000 secure, long-term tenancies, and we aim to grow that number significantly by 2030.”

Elevate Residential’s charitable partner, BHC, have just developed a new affordable and social housing project in Chermside. REIQ’s Antonia Mercorella, BHC’s CEO Rebecca Oelkers and Chris Meadmore and Paige Browning from Elevate. Photo by Sarah Keayes/The Photo Pitch

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said it was incredibly heartening to think of all the people set to benefit from this strong pipeline of new social and affordable housing, which is much needed in south-east Queensland.

“This is exactly the kind of innovative model and targeted support that delivers the type of housing that’s so sorely needed in our market to the people who need it most,” Ms Mercorella said.

“This effort goes beyond merely constructing homes; it’s about fostering resilient communities, and this comes with a myriad of social and economic benefits.

“BHC is setting a great example for how we can make a real, lasting difference through scalable, programmatic investment in social and affordable housing.”

Part of BHC’s mission to empower its residents and communities to thrive is the BHC Impact Fund, which supported 420 residents to receive assistance to sustain tenancies, enhance wellbeing, boost employment skills and create cohesive communities in 2024.

The Impact Fund is made possible through BHC’s ‘profit for purpose’ real estate agency, Elevate Residential, which passes on 100% of profits from revenue generated through property sales commissions and property management fees on to BHC and was recognised as a finalist at the 2024 REIQ Awards for Excellence in the Contribution to the Community category.

Elevate Residential’s charitable partner, BHC, have just developed a new affordable and social housing project in Chermside. REIQ’s Antonia Mercorella, BHC’s CEO Rebecca Oelkers and Chris Meadmore and Paige Browning from Elevate. Photo by Sarah Keayes/The Photo Pitch

Elevate Residential Principal Licensee Chris Meadmore said the agency was on track to reach a significant milestone in 2025, delivering $1 million to support low-income households across Brisbane.

“Our work directly contributes to real change for people in need right across Brisbane and we’re proud to foster positive change and empowerment by supporting the development of safe and affordable housing, and programs championing the people who call these communities home,” Mr Meadmore said.

Ms Oelkers said future BHC residents would continue to benefit from the partnership with Elevate Residential.

“As a real estate peak body, the REIQ continues to proudly recognise the dedication of Elevate Residential on their commitment to community and the social impact their support is having in Brisbane,” Ms Mercorella said.