The Right Fit Australia, recently launched by Jessica Dale, is a unique bridging housing brokerage service for NDIS participants. It finds participants first and then matches them with suitable properties and providers, effectively reverse-engineering support coordination. 

Background

Jessica is a Melbourne-based Support Coordinator with expertise in complex cases since 2019. She specialises in advocating for Participants to ensure they receive appropriate funding and services tailored to their needs, particularly focusing on individuals with complex medical conditions who require hospital discharge support and life-saving services.

Gaps in the Market

Many participants face rushed housing decisions, leading to mismatches. The Right Fit aims to address this by ensuring suitable, long-term matches between participants and providers.

Cost Structure

Jessica's services are free for NDIS participants and Support Coordinators, ensuring it does not impact Participants' NDIS budgets. Providers pay a fee only after successful placement, with no ongoing fees.

Process Overview

Participants are referred by Support coordinators, hospital discharge planners, or social workers. The Right Fit assesses their funding and needs, discusses preferences, then shares a de-identified profile with potential providers. After a meet and greet, the participant chooses to view the property or sign a service agreement - only then is the provider invoiced.

Point of Difference and Due Diligence

The Right Fit stands out by rigorously vetting Providers before accepting them onto their books. This ensures Participants are matched with registered, compliant providers without Quality and Safeguards Commission issues, with current audits, and robust procedures.

www.ndiswithjess.com

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Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals.

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In this episode, Minh and Debbie explore Appendix H—a pricing rule allowing SDA participants to live with non-eligible individuals (family, partners, or even SIL participants, with approval).!

What Is Appendix H?

• Appendix H is a pricing provision within the SDA pricing arrangements that addresses how SDA funding is calculated when a participant lives with people who are not eligible for SDA. 
• This most often occurs when an NDIS participant sharing a home wishes to live with non-SDA funded family members, partners, or friends. 

Funding Adjustment: 

• Compensates for the absence of a second SDA-funded resident.
• Depending on the participant’s support needs, annual funding increases range from $15,000 to $58,000.

Funding Scenarios

• 3-Resident Home: If a robust participant lives with a family member, income can jump from $77,000 to $133,000 (+$57,000).
• 2-Resident Home (High Physical Support): Income rises from $105,000 to ~$120,000 (+$15,000).

A Cautionary Tale:

• One investor rejected a $105K/year Appendix H tenant (wanting to live with a partner), opting to wait for two SDA tenants—resulting in a costly vacancy.
• Providers may deprioritise such investors in future tenant matching, given the high vacancy rates in SDA housing.

Key Points for Providers and Participants:

• SDA funding under Appendix H is still only paid for eligible participants, not for non-SDA household members.
• The non-SDA resident pays unregulated rent privately, as only the reasonable rent contribution for the SDA participant is set by NDIS price regulation.
• Appendix H funding adjustments are not automatic and depend on individual circumstances and a clear support plan.
• The arrangement remains valid only while the living circumstances do not change; changes require notification and possible further adjustment.

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www.impr

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NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA:
Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals.

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In this episode, we welcome back Tania from Tania Gomez Consulting.

Tania chats with Debbie about the recent NDIS Pricing Arrangements & Price Limits (applicable as of 1st July 2025) and why there is so much concern within the NDIS community over financial viability and quality of service provision following a lack of insufficient pricing increases and in some cases price cuts for certain sectors, particularly Support Coordination, Plan Management and Allied Health operators in rural/remote areas.

Impact on Support Coordination:

• Limited Increases: Only Level 1 Support Coordination (applicable to a small minority of participants) received a price increase, linked to minimum wage changes. The major categories, Levels 2 and 3, saw no meaningful increases, despite escalating business costs (inflation, super, compliance).
• Financial Pressure: Ongoing price freezes have not kept pace with rising costs. Providers report increased stress, challenges in retaining qualified staff, and, in some regions, service withdrawal by major agencies.  

The release of the 2025–26 NDIS Pricing Arrangements & Price Limits has prompted significant concern within the NDIS provider community. While some pricing categories have been indexed, critical areas such as Support Coordination, Plan Management, and Allied Health—particularly in rural and remote regions—face a mix of price freezes, reductions, and withdrawal of rural loadings. These decisions are fuelling anxiety over the financial viability of providers and the future quality of services offered to participants. Sector-wide anxiety stems from price caps failing to align with rising operational costs, with some sectors facing outright funding reductions or regional loading losses. 

Listen to hear Tania's take on what this all means for the sector.

---------------------------------

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EBOOKS:
www.robustdesign.com.au
www.highphysicalsupport.com.au
www.improvedliveability.com.au
www.fullyaccessible.

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NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA:
Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals.

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CONTACT:
Please feel free to call us on 1300 254 397 to talk to one of our friendly staff, otherwise, just pop on over to our website to find out more.

For any podcast related queries or suggestions, please contact our podcast team via [email protected]

In this insightful episode of The SDA Housing Podcast, Debbie goes and visits a local Brisbane SIL Provider. She sits down with Naeem Patel, Director of Hope & Care Community, to explore the critical relationship between Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). 

Naeem shares his journey into the NDIS space and provides valuable insights into what makes a strong SDA-SIL partnership. 

We discuss the features of SDA homes that truly impact participant outcomes, the transition process into new homes, and what participants value most in their living environments. 

Naeem also shares real-life examples of how the right SDA setup has transformed lives, along with the operational challenges SIL providers face. 

We look to the future of SIL within the SDA framework and what innovations could better support providers and participants alike. 

If you're interested in how quality housing and support go hand-in-hand, this episode is a must-listen. 

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www.highphysicalsupport.com.au
www.improvedliveability.com.au
www.fullyaccessible.com.au

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NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA:
Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals.

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CONTACT:
Please feel free to call us on 1300 254 397 to talk to one of our friendly staff, otherwise, just pop on over to our website to find out more.

For any podcast related queries or suggestions, please contact our podcast team via [email protected]

In this episode, Minh and Debbie review and discuss an email response from Bruce Bromley of Equal Access Group and SDA Consulting. The email letter addresses a question posed in a previous episode regarding his perspective on the current 2025 state of the play across Specialist Disability Accommodation.

Bruce's expertise and leadership have made him a trusted authority in the field of Specialist Disability Accommodation assessment, ensuring safe, compliant, and accessible housing for people with disabilities across Australia

Professional Background

• Bruce Bromley is a highly respected and experienced SDA Assessor in Australia.
• He has over 32 years of experience in disability access, architectural design, documentation, and project management.
• Bruce is the Director of Certification and Compliance at Equal Access Group Pty Ltd, a leading consultancy in disability access and SDA compliance.

Key Qualifications & Roles

• Accredited SDA Assessor (Registration Number SDA00002).
• Co-author of the SDA Design Standards, contributing significantly to the guidelines that shape accessible housing in Australia.
• Livable Housing Assessor (Registration Number LHA10002) and Changing Places Assessor (Registration Number CP001).
• Member of the Standards Australia development committee FP-017 Emergency Management Planning – Facilities (AS3745), focusing on emergency planning for people with disabilities.

Industry Influence

• Thought Leader: Bruce is recognized as a leading voice in the SDA sector, frequently publishing on building classification, fire safety, and compliance risks in SDA housing.
• Advocacy: He has played a key role in shaping national standards and best practices for accessible accommodation, ensuring both regulatory compliance and improved outcomes for people with disabilities.

------------------------------------

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www.improvedliveability.com.au

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NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA:
Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals.

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CONTACT:
Please feel free to call us on 1300 254 397 to talk to one of our friendly staff, otherwise, just pop on over to our website to find out more.

For any podcast related queries or suggestions, please contact our podcast team via [email protected]

In this episode, Minh & Debbie discuss an open letter from Katalin Jakus (Hand in Hand Support Coordination) to Ministers, outlining critical NDIS concerns:

Unethical Referral Fee Practices

• Some NDIS providers pay referral fees to hospitals, government staff, and Support Coordinators.
• This practice, originating before the NDIS legislation, is described as unethical and undermines participants’ best interests.
• These incentives skew discharge decisions, limit provider choice, and risk care quality.
• Consequences include "double-dipping" (charging twice for the same service), distorted competition, and prioritising profits over participant needs.

Conflict of Interest Risks

• Participants may face biased service options, undisclosed conflicts, or monopolised supports (e.g., one provider controlling coordination, plan management, and housing).
• Support Coordinators providing direct services may prioritise business interests over participant welfare.

Calls for Stronger Safeguards

• While recent NDIS conflict-of-interest guidelines are a step forward, the letter urges targeted action against referral fees. 
• The goal is to ensure decisions prioritise participant care- not financial incentives - and to improve sector-wide accountability.

[Read the letter here]

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www.improvedliveability.com.au
www.fullyaccessible.com.au

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NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA:
Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals.

FOLLOW US:
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CONTACT:
Please feel free to call us on 1300 254 397 to talk to one of our friendly staff, otherwise, just pop on over to our website to find out more.

For any podcast related queries or suggestions, please contact our podcast team via [email protected]

In this 4th instalment of our popular 'Ask Us Anything' series, we dive deep into an email from Andy, a builder from Adelaide who is a regular podcast listener, and has SDA build ideas for his son. We answer his questions and explore his theories. His questions sparked a discussion about the realities of SDA development, from financial considerations to design best practices, and even his theories on where the SDA market is headed.

Below are some of the points of discussion in this episode:

• Andy's initial design concept involves two side-by-side dwellings, each intended for two participants, with individual spaces and shared breakout and care rooms. However, the hosts clarified that it will likely end up being one resident per house, and Andy further explained his dual-key design idea, where each house has a main front door entry leading to two separate dwelling entries within the building, essentially two villas inside one house.
• There is a specific safety requirement for a lockable kitchen, using a nib wall to allow exclusion when necessary (e.g., when cooking with hot water). This is seen as essential for some robust participants, though market acceptance and design assessment may vary.
• The idea of separating the carer’s bedroom and office into two rooms is discussed, with consensus that more space for carers is beneficial.
• High, non-climbable fencing is required for robust participants to prevent absconding.
• Post-certification changes can improve property functionality for care teams.
• The dual-key/dual-occupancy design raises concerns about compliance, as participants are supposed to have full access to the entire house. This may conflict with NDIS or design assessment requirements.

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www.improvedliveability.com.au
www.fullyaccessible.com.au

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NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA:
Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals.

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CONTACT:
Please feel free to call us on 1300 254 397 to talk to one of our friendly staff, otherwise, just pop on over to our website to find out more.

For any podcast related queries or suggestions, please contact our podcast team via [email protected]

In this episode, Minh chats with Tanisha Simunic, an SDA Assessor, accredited Access Consultant and OT, about her work, background and her view of the SDA world.

Tanisha’s Professional Background and Role
Tanisha is an accredited access consultant, registered occupational therapist, and SDA assessor with nearly a decade of experience in the SDA sector. Her career began in occupational therapy, where an interest in home modifications and architecture led her to access consulting. She now specialises in helping designers and builders create accessible spaces, blending her expertise in disability, function, and environmental design.

The SDA Assessment Process
The process starts when a client submits floor plans for an SDA dwelling. The assessor reviews them against SDA guidelines, providing feedback until compliance is achieved. Once approved, a provisional certification is submitted to the NDIA, giving the client ~2 years to build. After construction, a final inspection ensures adherence to the certified plans before NDIA enrolment.

Concerns About SDA Design Guidelines
Many assessors doubt the future of SDA housing due to unclear design guidelines. Confusion persists over what constitutes a functional SDA dwelling, with reports of enrolled properties being unsuitable for participants. A guideline overhaul is widely seen as necessary.

[LINKEDIN PROFILE]

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www.robustdesign.com.au
www.highphysicalsupport.com.au
www.improvedliveability.com.au
www.fullyaccessible.com.au

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NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA:
Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals.

FOLLOW US:
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CONTACT:
Please feel free to call us on 1300 254 397 to talk to one of our friendly staff, otherwise, just pop on over to our website to find out more.

For any podcast related queries or suggestions, please contact our podcast team via [email protected]

Goodbye Postcode Restrictions ... & Hello Distance Restrictions! 

Big changes (again) are reshaping NDIS lending landscape, and in this episode, Debbie sits down with Paul Grant from Axis Lending to unpack the latest finance requirements for NDIS property investing, from their perspective as a Mortgage Manager.

This episode only relates to Origin, the largest wholesale NDIS lender across Australia, and this information discussed doesn't apply to other lenders in the SDA space, for investors looking at NDIS property investments.

Late last year in 2024 we saw significant tightening of eligibility criteria, including new income thresholds ($250K+ household income or $2.5M+ net assets for "sophisticated investors") and geographic restrictions. But as of this week (23rd June 2025), the rules have evolved again - with major implications for investors and participants alike.

Key changes include:
✔️ Postcode restrictions replaced by distance-based rules (50km from Sydney CBD, 25km from other capitals)
✔️ Lending based on 100% alternate use value in major cities (80% in larger regional centres)
✔️ Stronger focus on owner-occupiers and families, who may now qualify for better terms - possibly even standard home loans
✔️ Stricter SMSF requirements, including mandatory upfront Statements of Financial Advice
✔️ Compulsory Due Diligence reports for all purchases

Why does this all matter? These changes reflect a maturing market - one that prioritises sustainable investments while ensuring quality housing for participants. 

While investor activity has slowed, the focus on sophisticated buyers and owner-occupiers points to a more stable future. Tune in as Debbie and Paul discuss in detail the new lending rules.

If anyone wants to reach out to Paul Grant, his email is: [email protected]

Click here for their website - Axis Lending 

---------------------------------

SDA ADVISORY SERVICES
https://www.sdaadvisory.com.au

SDA RESEARCH REPORTS
https://ndis.property/reports

EBOOKS:
www.robustdesign.com.au
www.highphysicalsupport.com.au
www.improvedliveability.com.au
www.fullyaccessible.

Send us a text

NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA:
Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals.

FOLLOW US:
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CONTACT:
Please feel free to call us on 1300 254 397 to talk to one of our friendly staff, otherwise, just pop on over to our website to find out more.

For any podcast related queries or suggestions, please contact our podcast team via [email protected]

In this episode, Minh chats with Bill Kavvadas, Founder of The Fire Knight.

Overview of the Fire Knight  

• The product is an advanced, self-sustaining fire suppression system designed to proactively counter fires by detecting true flames and threats early
• Intended for residential use—including group homes and disability accommodations—offering an essential extra layer of safety

Key Product Features and Technical Design

• Self-contained unit with independent water (or eco-friendly fluid) storage (15 litres per typical unit), not reliant on external water mains or pressure.
• Simple installation: ceiling-mounted using an electronic hoist (supports over 30 kilos when full) after fitting into a pre-cut opening
• Integrated sensor array detects genuine fire, flame, heat signatures, and gas leaks
• Activates a salt-based chemical suppression method, avoiding flooding from sustained water flow
• Built-in, downward-facing still image camera captures the scene immediately before activation
• Full control and notifications via dedicated mobile and desktop apps, including remote activation and pre-soaking targeted areas.
• Minimal maintenance (recommended every five years) due to durable stainless steel construction

Comparison with Conventional Fire Protection Systems

• Traditional fire sprinklers:
  • Triggered by temperature (typically at 80°C) when the ceiling is already burning
  • Use pressurized lines with bulbs that, once melted, flood the area, causing potential water damage.
  • Depend on reliable water pressure, sometimes requiring additional pumps
  • Incur ongoing compliance, audit, and maintenance costs - often $5,000 to $6,000 per year
• The Fire Knight system:
  • Detects fires earlier, achieving a 100% suppression rate in early activation tests.
  • Prevents water damage by using a compact 15-litre water-based system with eco-friendly additives, not continuous water flow.
  • Easier and faster to install in various homes, including retrofits in older properties
  • Provides alerts, remote commands, and connectivity to command centres or insurance brokers for added support.

www.thefireknight.com.au

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NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA:
Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals.

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CONTACT:
Please feel free to call us on 1300 254 397 to talk to one of our friendly staff, otherwise, just pop on over to our website to find out more.

For any podcast related queries or suggestions, please contact our podcast team via [email protected]