WA Housing Innovation Fund Grant

Purpose and Program Overview

The WA Housing Innovation Fund Grant is a competitive $28 million program designed to increase Western Australia’s housing supply by supporting industry-led adoption and commercialisation of modern methods of construction (MMC). The program aims to drive business transformation and strengthen WA’s advanced housing manufacturing capability through prefabricated, modular, and automated building technologies that reduce costs, shorten build times, and improve sustainability.

This grant forms part of the broader $50 million Housing Innovation Fund established by the Western Australian Government under the Industry and Technology Development Act 1998. The initiative supports the WA Housing Plan’s long-term solutions to increase housing supply, reduce red tape, unlock land, and build workforce capability. Since 2021, the WA Government has committed more than $4.5 billion to initiatives aimed at boosting housing availability across the state.

The program plays a strategic role in future-proofing WA’s residential construction industry by supporting large-scale, industry-shaping projects that deliver measurable improvements in housing supply and affordability. It aims to enhance local manufacturing and supply chain resilience while improving environmental sustainability and energy efficiency in housing delivery across both metropolitan and regional areas.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Up to $5 million per application 
• Application dates: Open until 19 December 2025 at midnight AWST 
• Eligible entities: WA businesses in residential construction, manufacturing, or related sectors 
• Co-contribution: Minimum 50% matched funding required (cash preferred; in-kind may be considered) 
• Location applicability: Western Australia only – projects must relate to WA residential housing 

Priority Sectors

The WA Housing Innovation Fund grant specifically targets businesses adopting modern methods of construction (MMC) in the residential sector, with priority areas including:

• Prefabricated and modular building systems
• Automated construction technologies
• Advanced manufacturing processes for housing

The program welcomes applications from across the residential construction spectrum but prioritises technologies and methods that transform traditional housing delivery approaches.

Funding Scope

• Maximum funding: $5 million per application 
• Minimum funding: No specified minimum, but projects must be substantial and scalable
• Total funding pool: $28 million allocated for the grant program 
• Project timeline: Projects must be completed within 24 months of commencement 
• Commencement requirement: Projects must begin within 60 days of signing the Financial Assistance Agreement 

Eligibility Criteria

Businesses must meet these key requirements to qualify for funding:

• Business operations: Must be a WA-based business with demonstrated operations in residential construction, manufacturing, or related sectors for more than 12 months 
• Business structure: Must be a legal entity with an ABN or ACN and be registered for GST 
• Financial status: Must be solvent and able to demonstrate financial capacity through recent financial statements or projections 
• Tax compliance: Must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Taxation Office or unpaid superannuation obligations 
• Legal capacity: Must be capable of entering into a legally binding Financial Assistance Agreement with the WA Government 

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Eligible Projects and Technologies

• Offsite pre-manufacturing methods: Volumetric modular systems, panelised housing, prefabricated structural components, 3D printed concrete panels, bathroom pods, and kitchen modules 
• Onsite construction innovations: Alternative methods (Insulated Concrete Forms, hempcrete), robotics, and automated site processes 
• Process improvements: Digital design tools, lean construction systems, and implementation activities directly related to MMC adoption 

Eligible Costs

• Technology acquisition and equipment for MMC implementation
• Design and engineering costs directly related to project delivery
• Feasibility studies and business case development
• Implementation activities directly related to MMC adoption 

Assessment Process

The WA Housing Innovation Fund is a competitive grant with applications evaluated against published eligibility and merit criteria.

Applications undergo assessment by an Assessment Panel established under the Housing Innovation Fund governance framework. This panel includes representatives from steering committee member agencies with housing, architecture, and industry development responsibilities, plus independent technical assessors who provide specialist advice on feasibility, scalability, and application of proposed MMC solutions.

All assessment processes are overseen by an independent probity advisor to ensure transparency, impartiality, and consistency. The Assessment Panel provides recommendations to the HIF Steering Committee, with final decisions made at the State’s absolute discretion.

Recent Program Updates

The Housing Innovation Fund Grant represents a new funding stream within the broader $50 million Housing Innovation Fund announced by the Western Australian Government. This initiative forms part of the government’s Made in WA platform and addresses evolving market and workforce conditions in the housing sector.

The grant program is the first funding stream to become available, with a loan component expected to open soon. The timing aligns with increased focus on housing supply and affordability solutions across Western Australia.

Application Tips

• Review grant guidelines thoroughly: Carefully read all available documentation before applying 
• Confirm eligibility: Ensure your business and project meet all eligibility requirements before investing time in application development 
• Prepare supporting documentation: Have all required documents ready, including detailed business plans, financial statements, funding proof, approvals, feasibility studies, and letters of support 
• Submit through proper channels: Applications must be lodged exclusively via the SmartyGrants portal – no applications via email or other means will be accepted 
• Allow sufficient time: Account for potential technical issues and submit well before the deadline 
• Demonstrate project readiness: Highlight commercial readiness, capacity to deliver, and clear project milestones 
• Align with strategic objectives: Emphasise how your project addresses housing supply, affordability, and industry transformation goals

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact Pattens Group today, and we will connect you with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the official website of the WA Housing Innovation Fund and other associated Australian government websites.