THE SDA HOUSING PODCAST

NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA
  • 4.5 (12)
  • INVESTING

The SDA Housing Podcast is a leading voice in the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) sector, delivering in-depth discussions, expert insights, and the latest updates related to housing solutions for people with disabilities. Through interviews with industry leaders, advocates, and lived-experience voices, we explore policy developments, innovative best practices, and real-world stories shaping the future of disability housing.Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on emerging trends, sector challenges, and inspiring success stories, making this podcast an essential resource for investors, providers, advocates, and anyone passionate about inclusive housing. Debbie – General Manager, NDIS Property Australia:With over 20 years of expertise in tourism, finance, and property, Debbie has played a pivotal role in transforming NDIS Property Australia from a two-person team to a 22-member powerhouse. Her leadership drives the successful marketing, sales, and development of SDA properties nationwide, working closely with builders, designers, lenders, and support providers to ensure high-quality, compliant housing solutions.Minh – Founder, NDIS Property Australia:A visionary in the SDA space, Minh is dedicated to accelerating the delivery of purpose-built disability housing across Australia. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, investors, and NDIS participants, he champions choice, control, and dignity for people with disabilities, ensuring they have access to homes that truly meet their needs.Together, Debbie and Minh are committed to ethical, sustainable, and impactful solutions in the SDA sector, bridging gaps and driving meaningful change.Engaging with the SDA Community:Each week, we feature guest speakers from across the sector, sharing their expertise, experiences, and contributions to social impact in SDA. From innovative housing designs to policy advocacy, our conversations highlight how we can collectively improve living options for NDIS participants.As the SDA landscape evolves, we invite you—our listeners—to join us on the journey. Whether you're an investor, provider, advocate, builder, developer, parents of participants, or simply passionate about inclusive housing, this podcast equips you with the knowledge to make a difference in the lives of People with Disabilities (PWDs).Share Your Story:Have an SDA journey you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you!📞 Call us: 1300 254 397📧 Email us: podcast@ndis.property🌐 Visit us: www.ndis.propertyJoin the conversation and help shape a more inclusive future in disability housing.

  1. 14 HRS AGO

    EPISODE 331 - Challenges & Opportunities being an SDA Provider

    Uwe Jacobs from Property Friends joins us again to chat with Debbie, focusing on the real-world challenges and opportunities faced by Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) providers in Australia.  The discussion candidly covers the issues of cash flow delays, administrative and compliance burdens with the NDIA/NDIS, pitfalls in payment systems, and the operational difficulties that providers encounter—especially for those considering self-management.  Uwe also covers practical strategies for maintaining sustainable SDA businesses, such as fostering local relationships, adapting property designs through participant feedback, and leveraging flexibility through options like respite and medium-term accommodation.  Key opportunities are discussed, including making a real difference in people’s lives and the importance of treating tenants as individuals, not just numbers, to create genuine “forever homes”. Uwe can be contacted at https://propertyfriends.com.au/info@propertyfriends.com.au0400 417 043--------------------------------- 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: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook 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 podcast@ndis.property

    34 min

  2. 3 NOV

    EPISODE 330 - Infinite Automation - Smart Tech Update

    Back in July 2022, we spoke with Colin Peterson from Infinite Automation on one of our early episodes. Today, Debbie welcomes co-founder Fenil Mangukiya to share the latest in SDA housing tech and the growing need to future-proof properties with built-in automation.  Hear about key product upgrades and why simple, intuitive systems make all the difference for tenants, managers, and investors. Discover practical ways to boost your SDA property’s appeal with Infinite Automation’s local expertise. https://infiniteautomation.com.au/ info@infiniteautomation.com.au 03 9069 2089 ------------------------ LEAVE US A GOOGLE REVIEW! 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.com.au 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: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook 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 podcast@ndis.property

    25 min

  3. 27 OCT

    EPISODE 329 - Thriving Kids Initiative

    In this episode, Debbie & Kassy discuss the proposed Thriving Kids program - a federal initiative designed to support children under the age of eight with autism and developmental delays through early intervention services outside of NDIS. Debbie & Kassy cover the program's aims to reduce NDIS enrollments for children with less permanent disabilities, the planned July 2026 rollout and key funding details. They highlight concerns about transitioning existing younger NDIS participants, the need for state-by-state consistency, the diagnostic processes, and whether mainstream health systems are adequately equipped for the shift. Balancing optimism about alleviating NDIS funding pressure with candid reflections on risks and uncertainties, Debbie & Kassy assess how this new initiative could impact families and the NDIS in the future. ------------------------ LEAVE US A GOOGLE REVIEW! 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.com.au 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: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook 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 podcast@ndis.property

    16 min

  4. 20 OCT

    EPISODE 328 - How should Developers start in SDA?

    In this episode, Minh & Debbie discuss what it takes to start an SDA development, no matter how small or large the project may be. Given the amount of enquiries coming in over the past 6 months from small developers, the podcast team felt that it was important to cover every aspect of the start to finish process that such developers would be going through. They cover the many and varied factors that need to be considered and analysed as part of the due diligence of determining whether an SDA development is feasible or not. Such SDA projects they refer to could be examples like: villas (3-4 pack)subdivision of land to smaller lotssplitter blockapartment complex (10 or 15 pack)duplex homemanor homeknock down rebuildlow set SDA home------------------------------------------------------ LEAVE US A GOOGLE REVIEW! 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.com.au 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: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook 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 podcast@ndis.property

    21 min

  5. 14 OCT

    EPISODE 327 - Care Agency Services: Andrew & Mandy

    The National SIL Summit was held on 25th and 26th September on the Gold Coast.  During the event, we had a chat with Mandy & Andrew from Care Agency Services who explained their role in the industry and what they do. Essentially, Care Agency Services provides temporary staffing solutions, helping care providers around Australia fill gaps within their support teams. Operating currently in Queensland, NSW and the ACT and founded in 2012, CAS covers not only disability, but the Aged care sector as well. ----------------------------- 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.com.au 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: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook 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 podcast@ndis.property

    22 min

  6. 6 OCT

    EPISODE 326 - PROPERTY FRIENDS: Modular SDA Builds

    In this episode, Debbie chats with a long-time Podcast listener, Uwe Jacobs from Property Friends. Uwe discusses his journey from the corporate world to property investment to delivering disability housing, and ultimately transitioning into the SDA space. Ultimately, Property Friends registered as an SDA Provider and has recently ventured into delivering modular housing as a far more time-efficient way to bring both regular properties and SDA homes to market. SDA modular granny flats are an effective, practical, and financially sound solution for specialist disability housing, combining the benefits of tailored accessibility features with the efficiencies and quality of modular construction. They offer an ideal option for families seeking independent living solutions for members with disabilities and for investors looking for rapid ROI with lower upfront costs. SDA granny flats built modularly are often placed on the same property as a primary residence, facilitating close family support while enabling independent living for the tenant. Uwe also discusses design considerations and complications with building specifications and codes, and his thoughts on the review of the SDA Design Guidelines. https://propertyfriends.com.au/ ----------------------------- 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.com.au 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: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook 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 podcast@ndis.property

    27 min

  7. 29 SEPT

    EPISODE 325 - Data, Design, & Desirability

    Data, Design, and Desirability - represent a core framework used by experienced investors and advisors to analyze, select, and drive long-term success in SDA within the NDIS market. Data refers to the rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis that underpins every sound SDA investment decision: Current and projected demand for SDA by region, participant demographics, and NDIS eligibility trends.Vacancy rates, supply pipeline, dwelling approvals, recent sales, and rental yields.Government policy changes, pricing reviews, and NDIS funding adjustments impacting SDA income sustainability. A strong data-driven approach helps investors avoid oversupplied areas, understand realistic return scenarios, and identify growth corridors where SDA demand will strengthen over the medium term.Design means the architectural and functional quality of the SDA dwelling itself, ensuring it meets and exceeds NDIS requirements and participant expectations. Key factors include: SDA Design Category (Improved Liveability, Robust, Fully Accessible, High Physical Support).Versatility, durability, and future-proofing for changing participant needs, such as adaptable kitchens, bathrooms, and emergency features. Design excellence ensures homes attract and retain participants, maximize occupancy, and support long-term value protection for investors.Desirability captures the appeal of the SDA property for both participants and support providers, encompassing emotional, lifestyle, and locational value. Important factors include: Proximity to amenities, health services, transport, recreation, and community integration opportunities.Properties that score highly on desirability are easier to fill, experience fewer vacancies, and often attract above-average NDIS funding outcomes over time.------------------------ LEAVE US A GOOGLE REVIEW! 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.ful 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: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook 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 podcast@ndis.property

    25 min

  8. 22 SEPT

    EPISODE 324 - Victorian Govt NDIS Group Homes

    In this episode, Debbie welcomes back Kevin Chen from Paramount Disability Homes for a conversation about the status of the Victorian Government NDIS Housing Crisis.  This major crisis is unfolding in Victoria as state government subsidies for group home support workers which have already ended at the end of 2023, have leases for these properties set to expire on 31st December 2025. This impacts approximately 5,000 NDIS participants currently residing in 600 to 700 state government-owned group homes, many of which were grandfathered into the SDA system as 'Basic' level dwellings as early as 2016, lacking modern accessibility features (not meeting IL, FA, Robust, or HPS standards). These homes have operated since pre-NDIS times (before 2013), with residents often being in their 50s and 60s, having lived there for 20-30 years with the same support workers.  A significant hurdle is inadequate funding. Undertaking plan reviews for 5,000 people to get funding uplifted is a massive operational challenge, with no clear process or guarantee of success. There's a risk participants could be rejected or have their SDA funding removed entirely, especially if they are elderly, leaving them with even fewer housing options.  While there is an oversupply of new SDA properties in Melbourne's outer suburbs (northern, southeastern, and predominantly western), the affected participants, who have lived in inner and middle-ring areas for years, wish to remain in their current locations. Providers moving to outer areas risk losing many clients. Furthermore, support workers are reluctant to travel to these outer suburbs. The inner areas, where most group homes are situated, have a greater abundance of apartments than houses, limiting suitable housing options.  This geographical gap between where the housing is and where the demand is, particularly for houses over apartments, is a major barrier to relocating the thousands of displaced residents, as the NDIS is not expected to universally uplift funding for basic-funded participants anytime soon. For investors with empty SDAs around Melbourne, more specifically, by taking on tenants with lower initial funding, investors can secure occupancy while helping residents, with the long-term potential of significantly higher rental income once the participant's SDA funding is successful. ------------------------- 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: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook 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 podcast@ndis.property

    23 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The SDA Housing Podcast is a leading voice in the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) sector, delivering in-depth discussions, expert insights, and the latest updates related to housing solutions for people with disabilities. Through interviews with industry leaders, advocates, and lived-experience voices, we explore policy developments, innovative best practices, and real-world stories shaping the future of disability housing.Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on emerging trends, sector challenges, and inspiring success stories, making this podcast an essential resource for investors, providers, advocates, and anyone passionate about inclusive housing. Debbie – General Manager, NDIS Property Australia:With over 20 years of expertise in tourism, finance, and property, Debbie has played a pivotal role in transforming NDIS Property Australia from a two-person team to a 22-member powerhouse. Her leadership drives the successful marketing, sales, and development of SDA properties nationwide, working closely with builders, designers, lenders, and support providers to ensure high-quality, compliant housing solutions.Minh – Founder, NDIS Property Australia:A visionary in the SDA space, Minh is dedicated to accelerating the delivery of purpose-built disability housing across Australia. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, investors, and NDIS participants, he champions choice, control, and dignity for people with disabilities, ensuring they have access to homes that truly meet their needs.Together, Debbie and Minh are committed to ethical, sustainable, and impactful solutions in the SDA sector, bridging gaps and driving meaningful change.Engaging with the SDA Community:Each week, we feature guest speakers from across the sector, sharing their expertise, experiences, and contributions to social impact in SDA. From innovative housing designs to policy advocacy, our conversations highlight how we can collectively improve living options for NDIS participants.As the SDA landscape evolves, we invite you—our listeners—to join us on the journey. Whether you're an investor, provider, advocate, builder, developer, parents of participants, or simply passionate about inclusive housing, this podcast equips you with the knowledge to make a difference in the lives of People with Disabilities (PWDs).Share Your Story:Have an SDA journey you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you!📞 Call us: 1300 254 397📧 Email us: podcast@ndis.property🌐 Visit us: www.ndis.propertyJoin the conversation and help shape a more inclusive future in disability housing.

Information

  • Creator
    NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    330
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 THE SDA HOUSING PODCAST
  • Show Website
    THE SDA HOUSING PODCAST

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