Is this the same as renting?
No. Buying an ORA home is home ownership, not renting.
You own your home, live in it as your primary residence, and have long-term security. There is no landlord, no risk of eviction, and no sudden rent increases. The key difference is that the land is held separately to help keep homes affordable over time.
Do I really own my home?
Yes.
When you buy an ORA home, you own the home itself and have full responsibility for it — including maintenance, insurance, and rates. Your ownership is protected by a 125-year renewable ground lease, registered in your name.
Why are ORA homes more affordable?
ORA homes are more affordable because the cost of land is removed from the upfront purchase price.
Instead of buying land outright, homeowners pay a modest ground rent that supports long-term stewardship of the land. This structure reduces purchase prices while keeping homes secure and well-maintained over time.
Is this model common?
Yes. Similar models are widely used internationally to support long-term affordable home ownership.
ORA’s approach is aligned with Community Land Trust (CLT)–style models used in countries such as the UK, United States, and parts of Europe. These models separate land ownership from home ownership to provide stability for residents, while preventing speculative price escalation that would otherwise push future buyers out of the market.
Can banks lend on ORA homes?
Yes. ORA homes are structured to be compatible with mortgage lending.
They use long-term, registered ground leases (125 years, renewable) and clear ownership arrangements that lenders are familiar with. As with any home loan, approval depends on individual circumstances and lender credit policies, but this ownership model is designed to support mortgage finance.
Can I sell my ORA home?
Yes. You can sell your home at any time.
Resales are managed through an ORA-facilitated process to ensure the home remains affordable for the next household. A clear resale formula applies, allowing you to recover your purchase price plus an inflation-based adjustment.
Will I make money if I sell?
ORA homes are designed to prioritise housing security and affordability, not speculative gain.
While you can build equity and recover your investment, resale pricing is structured to prevent large market windfalls so homes remain affordable for future buyers as well.
Who are ORA homes designed for?
ORA homes are primarily intended for people who contribute to their communities but are priced out of the traditional housing market.
This includes first-home buyers, essential workers, families, and older people seeking long-term security. Eligibility is assessed fairly and transparently.
Do I need to be a first-home buyer?
No. You don’t need to be a first-home buyer, but you must meet ORA’s eligibility and affordability criteria and use the home as your primary residence.
Can I rent my home out?
ORA homes are intended to be owner-occupied. Short-term accommodation and investment use are not permitted. In limited circumstances, temporary arrangements may be considered — these are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Are ORA developments “villages” or communities?
ORA developments are normal neighbourhoods, designed with a regenerative, village-style approach. That means they prioritise connection, accessibility, shared spaces, and long-term wellbeing — without being age-restricted, ideological, or alternative.
What if my circumstances change?
ORA understands that lives change.
Policies and processes are designed to be fair and transparent, with support available to help homeowners navigate changes over time — including resale, transitions, or relocation.
Where can I find more detail?
If you’d like to go deeper, go to our Resources page.