Modular housing is coming to Perth’s north, with Wesfarmers-backed Built Living securing up to $120 million in funding to establish a manufacturing facility in the Nerrabup area. The National Reconstruction Fund has approved the loan, which will support a pilot factory expected to produce components for more than 2,000 apartments annually.
The Nerrabup facility is located 35 kilometers from the Perth CBD. Construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026, with the first manufacturing output targeted for early 2028. Built Living is a 50:50 joint venture between Australian-owned contractor and property group Built and Wesfarmers, which has committed $100 million in equity.
The project relies on Design for Manufacture and Assembly, or DfMA, to produce modular and precast concrete components in a controlled factory environment before assembly on-site. The model is projected to deliver apartments up to 50 percent faster and up to 20 percent cheaper than traditional construction methods. Assuming a 40-hour working week, 52 weeks a year, the facility is expected to produce one dwelling per hour.
The WA Government is providing a $20 million incentive and a long-term lease at the Neerabup Automation and Robotics Precinct. Property developer Adrian Fini will also hold an economic interest in the manufacturing facility. Built Living established the venture after spending almost two years researching overseas housing delivery models.
Neerabup Automation and Robotics Precinct. Property developer Adrian Fini will also hold an economic interest in the manufacturing facility. Built Living established the venture after spending almost two years researching overseas housing delivery models.
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Neerabup Automation and Robotics Precinct. Property developer Adrian Fini will also hold an economic interest in the manufacturing facility. Built Living established the venture after spending almost two years researching overseas housing delivery models.
The Neerabup factory is expected to create about 150 jobs during construction and another 150 ongoing roles, including positions in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and automation. The facility will initially support Built Living’s residential pipeline and third-party developments, with some capacity reserved for government-backed housing and social infrastructure projects.
Investing in modern methods of construction is a practical way to address Australia’s housing challenge, according to Built Living chief executive Dale Connor. He said the government backing would help transform the residential construction supply chain. The Neerabup factory will form the foundation of a broader national manufacturing platform, with Built Living planning to use the model beyond Western Australia.
By introducing digitization and automation into the apartment construction process, NRFC investment is expected to lower costs, shorten delivery timelines, and improve construction efficiency. The National Reconstruction Fund’s David Gall noted that the investment would complement traditional construction with a scalable manufacturing model.
