The couple have lived in Armidale for eight years, and praise the accessibility of affordable housing in the city.

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“It’s absolutely wonderful. They [Homes North] have been fantastic to us. It’s the way to go,” Mrs Holden said. 

The couple were among dozens who attended the official opening of Homes North Community Housing’s Chapel Street unit complex on Monday. 

The five-unit development  is Homes North’s second affordable housing development in Armidale with the first $2.1 million complex in Stephen Street completed in May, 2017.

Homes North chief executive Maree McKenzie said the five affordable housing units

“This is the second complex we have built in Armidale, and for people on low to moderate incomes. They pay below market rent to stay in the property,” Ms McKenzie said. 

“It’s important to build quality homes for people … We are aiming for good quality homes that are affordable so people can feel safe but also flourish in their community.”

Ms McKenzie said the community housing building organisation hoped to develop more housing in the region in the near future.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall was on hand to officially open the unit complex on Monday, which already has residents living there. 

He praised the organisation for the construction of the units, which would provide “quality accommodation” for residents. 

“This is a $1.7 million project and the second built here in Armidale. This has been built to the highest energy efficiency standards,” Mr Marshall said. 

“This gives people an idea of what we are going to see a lot more of in our region.

“The state government will be putting money aside to support organisations, like Homes North, to build new affordable housing and upgrade existing stock.

“Housing is a fundamental to helping people live their lives. It’s the solid foundation everyone needs.”