For owners of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) properties, supporting Australians living with disabilities to access high quality homes is an opportunity to make an impactful investment. However, NDIS funded SDA can be a challenging space; and filling vacancies efficiently is crucial to maximise the impact of their investment and ensure financial sustainability.
MediStays offers a unique value proposition that helps SDA property owners streamline tenant transitions while ensuring their assets are financially viable. One of the most valuable solutions we provide is our rapid arrival 90-night Medium Term Accommodation (MTA) stays, which can seamlessly transition participants into permanent SDA residents. This approach delivers multiple benefits for all stakeholders, including participants of the NDIS who can experience their forever home via MTA before SDA. When MediStays Care Navigators align the right participant, homeowners and investors benefit from reduced vacancy periods, the opportunity to test properties during the builder’s warranty period and incremental revenue generation.
Filling Vacancies Quickly and Efficiently
Vacancies in SDA properties can be costly. Every unoccupied room represents a lost opportunity to provide quality housing for Australians living with disabilities and to generate revenue. Recent data underscores the financial risks associated with prolonged vacancies, with over 10% of SDA places remaining unoccupied, and some providers experiencing vacancy rates as high as 35.4% (assets.summerfoundation.org.au). Additionally, a survey conducted by the Summer Foundation in 2023 revealed that 25% of newly built SDA properties were vacant, with most providers reporting delays of three to six months to fill a single vacancy, and six to 12 months to fill multiple dwellings (theguardian.com).
MediStays addresses this challenge by matching property owners with NDIS participants in need of Medium Term Accommodation, ensuring that units remain occupied and financially productive. Our rapid arrival 90 night MTA stays serve as a strategic bridge, enabling participants to move in swiftly while their long-term SDA funding is processed.
By leveraging MediStays’ extensive network and established relationships with NDIS participants, support coordinators, and hospital discharge teams, property owners can fill vacancies faster and ensure their SDA homes are continuously occupied by eligible tenants.
The Positive Social Impact of SDA Investments
Beyond financial returns, SDA property owners play a vital role in improving the lives of people with disabilities. Whether a participant’s stay is short-term or permanent, the availability of accessible, high-quality accommodation significantly enhances their quality of life. SDA homes provide individuals with a sense of independence, security, and community integration, all of which are crucial to their overall wellbeing.
For many NDIS participants, a stable and well-suited home is the foundation for improved health, social connections, and increased participation in daily activities. By investing in SDA properties, owners contribute to a more inclusive society where people with disabilities can live with dignity and autonomy.
MediStays supports this mission by ensuring that SDA homes are occupied by those who need them most, bridging the gap between participants seeking suitable accommodation and property owners looking to make a meaningful impact.
Testing the Property Within the Builder’s Warranty Period
Newly built SDA properties come with a builder’s warranty period, during which any defects or issues can be identified and rectified. However, without residents living in the property, certain design flaws or maintenance concerns may go unnoticed.
By welcoming an NDIS participant through MediStays’ 90-night MTA solution, property owners gain the advantage of early-stage property testing. This ensures that any potential defects, accessibility challenges, or operational inefficiencies can be addressed before the warranty expires. With real-world tenant feedback, owners can proactively resolve any issues and enhance the overall functionality and liveability of their SDA investment.
Incremental Revenue Benefits
The financial benefits of a 90-night MTA stay extend beyond simply filling a vacant unit or home. Property owners can generate incremental revenue by accommodating NDIS participants who require immediate housing while awaiting their permanent SDA funding.
Rather than leaving a property vacant for months during the tenant selection and funding approval process, property owners can leverage MediStays to accommodate MTA guests at approved NDIS rates. This revenue stream not only offsets operational costs but also improves cash flow, making the property financially sustainable from day one.
MediStays manage all funding on behalf of the property owner. This is a significant value add, whereby property owners have a guaranteed income source, even if funding challenges are taking place in the background. This service offered by MediStays is even more important when considering that many SDA owners are investors that do not have a comprehensive understanding of NDIS funding.
Additionally, the seamless transition from MTA to permanent SDA residency minimises turnover costs, as the participant is already settled and familiar with the property, reducing administrative burdens and marketing expenses associated with finding new tenants.
A Win-Win Solution for SDA Owners and NDIS Participants
MediStays’ rapid arrival 90-night MTA stays create a win-win scenario for both property owners and NDIS participants. Owners benefit from reduced vacancy periods, the opportunity to test their property within the warranty period, and enhanced revenue stability. Meanwhile, NDIS participants receive immediate access to high-quality housing, ensuring a smooth transition into their long-term SDA home.
By partnering with MediStays, SDA property owners can optimise occupancy, safeguard their investment, and contribute to the broader mission of providing accessible, purpose-built housing for Australians living with disabilities.
Are you an SDA property owner looking to maximise your investment? Contact MediStays today to learn how our tailored solutions can support your property’s success.
1300 085 036