Finding the right SDA property in Perth can feel overwhelming, especially when you're navigating the NDIS at the same time. This guide walks you through the process from eligibility to move-in, step by step.
Step 1: Confirm You're Eligible for SDA
Before searching for properties, you need SDA funding included in your NDIS plan. SDA is not available to all NDIS participants. It's targeted at people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
To access SDA, you generally need to meet all of the following:
- Be an NDIS participant
- Have a significant and permanent disability that severely limits your ability to perform daily activities
- Require specialist housing due to the nature of your disability (not just a preference)
- Benefit from purpose-built housing that enables you to receive the support you need
The NDIS estimates that around 6% of participants are eligible for SDA. If you're not sure whether you qualify, read our full guide on SDA eligibility criteria, or speak with your support coordinator or occupational therapist.
Step 2: Get an OT Assessment
An occupational therapist (OT) assessment is the cornerstone of an SDA application. Your OT will:
- Assess your functional capacity and daily living limitations
- Document why your current housing is not meeting your needs
- Recommend which SDA design category suits your needs (High Physical Support, Robust, Improved Liveability, or Fully Accessible)
- Write a formal report that your support coordinator can use in your NDIS plan review
This report is critical evidence for getting SDA included in your plan. Without a strong OT report, the NDIS is unlikely to approve SDA funding. Learn more about what to expect at an OT home assessment.
Step 3: Get SDA Included in Your Plan
With your OT report in hand, your support coordinator or LAC will work with you to request SDA in your NDIS plan. This usually happens at a plan review.
In your plan, SDA will specify:
- The design category you're eligible for (e.g., High Physical Support)
- The dwelling type (e.g., apartment, house, villa)
- The number of bedrooms you're eligible for
- The location preferences recorded (usually by state or region)
Once SDA is in your plan, you're ready to start searching.
Step 4: Search for SDA Properties in Perth
This is where many participants and families get stuck. Unlike the private rental market, SDA properties aren't listed on Domain or Realestate.com.au. You need to search through NDIS-registered SDA providers directly.
Ways to find SDA properties:
1. Contact SDA providers directly SDA providers like Innogreen list their available properties and can tell you about upcoming vacancies. This is often the fastest way to find a property that matches your plan.
2. Use the NDIS Provider Finder The NDIS website has a provider search tool where you can filter for SDA providers in WA. This gives you a list of registered providers to contact.
3. Work with your support coordinator A good support coordinator will have existing relationships with SDA providers in Perth and can reach out on your behalf. They know which providers have good reputations and can match you quickly.
4. Check SDA-specific listing platforms Some platforms aggregate SDA listings nationally. These can help you see what's available across WA, though listings aren't always up to date.
Step 5: Inspect Properties and Ask the Right Questions
Once you've identified potential properties, arrange an inspection. When visiting, consider:
Accessibility
- Is the entry truly step-free?
- Are the corridors wide enough for your wheelchair or mobility aid?
- Does the bathroom layout work for your specific needs?
Support infrastructure
- Is there an OOA (Onsite Overnight Assistance) room if you need overnight support?
- Is there space for your support workers to base themselves during the day?
- Are ceiling hoist provisions available or installed?
Technology
- What smart home features are included?
- Is the home wired for additional assistive technology?
- What's the internet situation? (Important for voice-controlled devices)
Location
- How close is it to your support workers, family, or community?
- Is there access to public transport?
- Are there nearby amenities, shopping, medical, recreation?
At Innogreen, we offer in-person and virtual property tours. All our properties are High Physical Support with smart home technology, solar panels, and OOA rooms built in. View our current vacancies in Perth.
Step 6: Make an Enquiry and Begin Tenancy
When you find a property that suits your needs, contact the provider to express interest. They'll typically need:
- Confirmation that SDA is in your NDIS plan
- Your SDA design category and dwelling type eligibility
- Your intended support arrangement (who will provide your in-home support)
The provider will assess whether the property is a good match and, if so, begin the tenancy process.
What to expect during tenancy setup:
- Tenancy agreement: reviewed alongside your support coordinator
- SDA payment setup: the provider submits claims against your SDA funding directly
- Practical Nursing Care or SIL arrangement: if you need in-home daily support, this is arranged separately through a SIL (Supported Independent Living) provider
- Property induction: the provider walks you through how the property works, including any smart home technology
Step 7: Move In and Review Your Supports
Once you move in, take the first few weeks to:
- Test all assistive technology features and report anything that needs adjustment
- Ensure your support workers are familiar with the property's features
- Check in with your support coordinator about how the tenancy is going
- Note anything you'd like to raise at your next NDIS plan review
SDA providers have obligations under the NDIS to maintain the property, respond to repairs promptly, and support your tenancy. If something isn't right, raise it with your provider first, and escalate to your support coordinator if needed.
SDA in Perth: What's Available
Perth's SDA market has grown significantly in recent years. High Physical Support properties are the most common type being developed, driven by demand from participants with complex physical needs. If you have significant physical support needs, see our guide on living independently with High Physical Support SDA in Perth.
Innogreen currently has High Physical Support SDA properties available across Perth, including Armadale, Baldivis, and Morley, with more coming soon.
If you're ready to start the process, enquire about our SDA properties or view current vacancies today.