The Small Sites Program aims to accelerate housing supply by offering to market 10 surplus Government sites across metropolitan and regional Victoria. Following the strong responses to the Pilot program, the Small Sites Program is projected to deliver up to 700 homes, including 10% affordable housing, in line with the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement.
Development Victoria is overseeing the EOI process and is inviting developers to make submissions to acquire the sites and develop innovative, sustainable and affordable housing solutions. Developers are encouraged to bid on one or more sites to unlock land for housing in established suburbs where people want to live and work.
As part of the program, construction is to commence within 18 months of contract close, and preferred developers will have the opportunity for a deferred settlement on land.
Alongside Development Victoria, the EOI process is supported by Strategic Consulting: Cushman & Wakefield’s real estate advisory experts, assisting to coordinate engagement with small and medium-sized developers and facilitate an efficient bidding and selection process.
“This is a great opportunity for industry to be involved in a progressive housing initiative, so more people can live where they want - close to jobs, transport, education and services. The Small Sites Pilot program was launched in 2024, with four sites identified in Alphington, Preston, Coburg and Malvern” said Alan Herrman, Cushman & Wakefield’s Partner – Strategic Consulting, the real estate advisory firm supporting in the marketing and communications for the program, along with financial and commercial advice.
“The Expression of Interest saw strong market interest from developers on all four sites, and announcements about outcomes will be made after agreements with preferred developers/builders are executed. Building on the pilot program's success, 10 more surplus government sites are proposed to be released to market through the Small Sites Program”.
“Introducing more sites to the program will help deliver more homes closer to the places Victorians want to live. “This is a great opportunity for industry to be involved in a progressive housing initiative and help more people find a home close to jobs, transport and services,” said Alex Kennedy, Acting Executive General Manager, Investment & Portfolio Management at Development Victoria.
The Opportunity for Developers
Continuing the Small Sites program is part of the Victorian Government’s ongoing initiative to pursue a collaborative method of addressing housing supply issues, which paves the way for more efficient development pathways for residential housing delivery.
This latest land release in the Small Sites Program will offer successful bidders the chance to acquire, fund and develop one or multiple of the 10 well-located, medium and higher-density development sites throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria. Development Victoria is also proposing flexible commercial terms, including deferred settlement of the land, to provide incentives to deliver housing as soon as possible.
The profile of the Small Sites Program sites include:
- 72-84 Belmont Road West, Croydon South
- 377-407 Waterdale Road/Bell Street, Heidelberg West – Southern Carpark
- 40 Lavender Lane, Baxter
- 127 & 141 Grattan Street, Carlton
- 28A & 30A Jessie Street, Preston
- 29 Lindsay Street, Brighton (Middle Brighton Station carpark)
- 1 Marion Street, Brighton (North Brighton Station carpark)
- 714 Burke Road, Camberwell (Camberwell Station carpark)
- 37 McLaren Street, Bendigo
- 67B & 67C McCurdy Road, Herne Hill
Joe Kairouz, Cushman & Wakefield’s Director, BTR & Development Site Sales said “The early interest highlights developers’ enthusiasm to advance inner-Melbourne and regional projects, and to be part of delivering housing solutions in a constrained market,” he said.
Cushman & Wakefield’s Strategic Consulting brings together diverse backgrounds in property, finance, economics, capital advisory, valuations and management consulting with extensive experience working across public and private sectors and a deep understanding of the small to medium developer market. Cushman & Wakefield’s Strategic Consulting will be a trusted adviser to Development Victoria in an EOI and Request For Proposal (RFP) process designed to optimise the mutual benefits for Development Victoria, developers, and the community
Development Victoria’s EOI campaign is open until Friday 14th November 2025, with the aim of shortlisting selected bidders to progress to a RFP stage slated for release later this year. Successful bidders are expected to be confirmed in mid-2026, with design and construction to commence within 18 months of contractual close, subject to commerciality and relevant planning approvals.
To learn more about the EOI process or to submit a bid, visit: https://www.tenders.vic.gov.au/
