Defence Housing Australia (DHA) is continuing to prepare for long-term growth of its Rockingham property portfolio, with new agreements for a future 92 dwellings the latest additions to the portfolio.
DHA has entered the agreement with Western Australian developer Bluerock Projects and Built-to-Rent provider Inhabeco to deliver the 92 homes in Rockingham, providing housing for Defence personnel and increasing local housing supply.
The properties will be able to support Australian Defence Force members and Submarine Rotational Force-West personnel, including their families, in coming years.
Rockingham is a Defence priority region where housing requirements will grow in coming years including in support of Submarine Rotational Force-West. The agreement will bring newly constructed homes into DHA's portfolio to help meet that future requirement and in close proximity to HMAS Stirling.
The Bluerock Projects and Inhabeco development will deliver 200 homes along McNicholl Street in Rockingham, comprising of 33 townhouses and 167 apartments across two high-rise blocks. DHA has acquired 10 of the townhouses and has entered into long-term lease agreements for 82 apartments, which will be delivered as Build-to-Rent housing through Inhabeco.
The agreements form part of DHA’s ongoing leasing and acquisitions program and will support its Rockingham portfolio plans through collaboration with industry.
DHA Managing Director Andrew Jaggers PSM, Executive General Manager Property Shane West, and Bluerock Projects and Inhabeco Directors Daniel Rainone, Stuart Hawley, David Giles and Tim Horgan met at the McNicholl Street site earlier this week to view progress of the works, with blockwork now underway for the townhouses.
Construction of the townhouses commenced in July 2026 and are expected to be ready for member occupancy by early 2028.
Early civil works have commenced on the apartment blocks, with major construction expected to commence in early 2027 and take approximately 24 months.
Quotes attributable to DHA Managing Director Andrew Jaggers PSM
“DHA is continuing to grow its Rockingham property portfolio to meet future Defence housing requirements in the region.
“These agreements will add a combined 92 newly constructed townhouses and apartments to our Rockingham portfolio, providing a greater range of housing options for Defence members, including those supporting SRF-West.”
“Our long-term commitment to the Rockingham region is helping unlock new housing supply and giving developers the confidence to progress new projects. Importantly, this investment will deliver homes for Defence members and their families while also increasing the broader supply of housing in the region.
“We look forward to working with Bluerock Projects as these new homes are delivered.”
Quotes attributable to Bluerock Projects and Inhabeco spokesperson Daniel Rainone
“Bluerock Projects and Inhabeco are pleased to be working with DHA to deliver new homes that will support Defence personnel and their families in Rockingham.
“Bluerock Projects is delivering the development, while Inhabeco will provide the Build-to-Rent homes for DHA through long-term leasing arrangements.
“This agreement is an important milestone for the McNicholl Street development and supports the delivery of additional housing supply in the region, while contributing to the long-term housing needs of Defence personnel.”
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Background
DHA currently manages more than 820 properties in the Rockingham region, with the portfolio expected to grow significantly in coming years to meet Defence housing requirements.
DHA sources housing through a combination of property acquisitions, leasing from investors, construction and partnerships with industry.
Bluerock Projects is the developer and builder of the Inhabeco Build-to-Rent apartments. Inhabeco is the Build-to-Rent operator, jointly owned by Bluerock Projects and Australian Residential Properties.
For media enquiries, please contact media@dha.gov.au.