Home Access information trial

Older people and people with a disability in the Brisbane area will benefit from a State Government trial to promote homes with easier access features.

Housing Minister Robert Schwarten today launched the Department of Housing's Home Access Information trial, which is being undertaken in partnership with the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).

"Queensland's booming economy and great lifestyle mean that we have one of the fastest growing populations in Australia," Mr Schwarten said.

"With the population also ageing, it makes good business sense to consider how to meet the changing housing needs of the population.

"That is why the Department of Housing has developed the Home Access Information program and real estate agents in Brisbane have been invited to participate in a trial to identify and promote properties that have access features."

The trial encourages agents to use a simple checklist to identify homes and units with particular access features. The identification of these features will then assist in the marketing of the property to prospective buyers and tenants.

"Homes with 'access features' will have at least one entry into the home with no more than three steps. Alternatively, there may even be a ramp, elevator or lift allowing entry into the home," Mr Schwarten said.

"From this entry, the kitchen, living room and at least one bedroom, bathroom and toilet will all be on the same level. There will be no internal steps or stairs to enter or move between these main living areas."

The REIQ, the State's peak professional association for the real estate industry, is supporting the trial.

REIQ managing director Dan Molloy said the changing demographics of society means promoting access features makes sound business sense.

"With the population ageing, more and more people will be actively seeking out properties with access features to buy or rent. Providing this information to customers makes the buying or renting process much more streamlined for everyone involved," he said.

"The REIQ recommends accredited agencies continually respond to the changing marketplace by providing professional service that best serves their customers.

"As a growing proportion of the marketplace includes older people and people with disabilities, the Home Access Information trial enables people to be better informed about the homes they wish to inspect, potentially saving time and energy."

Mr Schwarten said the trial will be held in the Brisbane area and is expected to run until August 2008.

"The purpose of the trial is to work with real estate agents to test and evaluate the process," he said.

"Following the results of the evaluation, we may consider a State-wide release.

"This excellent initiative will go a long way in improving people's living through housing," Mr Schwarten said.

More information, including copies of fact sheets, is available on the Department of Housing's Home Access website at www.housing.qld.gov.au/homeaccess

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