Update: Livable Housing Australia (LHA) Assessments

Image credit: Angus Gray, Unsplash

Livable Housing Australia (LHA) ceased operations at the end of the 2024-2025 financial year. On the 1st of July 2025, LHA officially handed over responsibility for the registration and administration of LHA assessors to Access Institute.

Access Institute has undertaken training of LHA assessors for over a decade and has a long-standing partnership with LHA. In recognition of the value of Livable Housing Design Guideline assessments and demand for homes that exceed the minimum livability requirements of the National Construction Code, LHA worked closely with Access Institute to develop an alternative process for LHA assessors wishing to continue to operate as Livable Housing Design Guideline assessors.

The Livable Housing Design Guideline was produced by LHA and established a baseline for Universal Design principles and access for Australian dwellings. The Guideline has been important in creating housing that is safe, comfortable and versatile for a diverse range of people, with key design features that respond to the changing needs of occupants across all stages of their lifetime.

The Livable Housing Design Guideline Fourth Edition is the current version of the guideline and there are no changes to the Silver, Gold and Platinum Level requirements as a result of the transition.

Realm Access director, Sophia Kitson, has been a registered LHA assessor for many years and has transitioned to the new scheme with Access Institute. If you have any questions about the transition or would like assistance with your project, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Posted 19 July 2025