Long-term value is important with most business decisions, especially those in the property market. However, for the accessible community, long-term value means something different entirely.  Long-term value in the accessible property market signifies that necessary adjustments have been made to make homes valuable for the accessible community for decades to come.

Why has this suddenly spurred long-term value?

At Access Link, we believe that, regardless of legislation or socio-cultural norms, accessible housing is valuable, both in the long and short term. However, the adoption of minimum accessibility standards into the National Construction Code has had a significant impact on homes that we designed and built to be accessible (and that comply with these standards).

Homes that already incorporate minimum accessibility standards, as well as those that will be designed and built, are not in full compliance with the National Construction Code, equalising the advantage of having an accessible home. What used to be a benefit to solely the accessible community, is now one to homeowners, investors and property developers across the country.

A hidden advantage may be on the horizon

An overlooked advantage of this change is the cost of accessibility equipment needed for the alteration of homes. Anyone in the accessible community who has had to make changes to their home will tell you that accessibility equipment is expensive. From rails to ramps, the cost of equipment is unattainable for many in the accessible community. However, with this regulation, both the demand and supply will increase which will likely lead to an overall reduction in the cost of equipment, making it more affordable for people with disabilities across the country.

The value of accessible homes is broader than many people realise

Accessible homes don’t just provide value for those who were born with some form of disability. It also accommodates those who grow into or develop a disability and the ageing population. The critical social infrastructure of housing is meant to fulfil the needs of people of all ages, abilities and circumstances.

We believe that in years to come, accessibility standards will be as conventional as many other regulations in society that have fused into normalcy. We’ll soon wonder how we ever lived without accessibility regulation.

At Access Link Consulting, we welcome the short and long term value of accessible housing. We knew from the beginning how important it was in helping the accessibility community lead a fulfilling and content life as well it’s long term value in the Australian property market.