$450 million plan to provide rental relief for essential workers in Sydney

Essential workers will be able to lease new apartments for a discounted price under a $450 million NSW government plan.

More than 400 build-to-rent properties have been earmarked for up to four new sites across metro Sydney over the next three years.

The homes will be offered to essential workers at a discount to market rent through a separate subsidy program, to help them live closer to the city and their jobs.

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Nurses, paramedics, teachers, allied health care workers, police officers and firefighters will be among the essential workers eligible to apply for the new properties.

The state government's residential arm, Landcom, will select the sites with a preference for surplus government land identified as being suitable for housing.

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Australian city world's second most unaffordable

Specific locations are yet to be determined.

It is expected construction on the first site will begin in early 2026, subject to planning approvals, with key workers able to move in from late 2027.

"This investment will give hospital staff on night shift, police patrolling until late and so many other essential workers the chance to live near where they work," Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said.

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