What is defence accommodation in Australia and who is it for?
Defence accommodation in Australia covers furnished apartments arranged for ADF personnel on posting orders, their families during DHA transition gaps, and defence contractors on project deployments. Extended Stays finds options for stays of 14 nights or more across Darwin, Townsville, Canberra, Edinburgh and Perth.
What is the difference between DHA housing and temporary defence accommodation?
Defence Housing Australia (DHA) provides long-term, subsidised homes for ADF families under posting orders. Temporary defence accommodation bridges the gap when DHA properties are not yet available. Furnished apartments through Extended Stays cover that interim period, typically from two weeks to several months.
How much does ADF temporary accommodation cost per week in Australia?
Furnished apartments for ADF temporary accommodation typically cost from $980 to $1,600 per week, depending on city and apartment size. Darwin and Townsville options start from around $1,050 per week. Canberra tends to be higher, starting from about $1,200 per week. All rates include utilities and Wi-Fi.
Can defence contractors book extended-stay furnished apartments through Extended Stays?
Yes. Defence contractors working near RAAF Base Williamtown, HMAS Stirling or Lavarack Barracks regularly use Extended Stays to find furnished apartments. We identify options within practical commuting distance of each site and provide documentation to support employer expense or LAFHA processing.
What is LAFHA and how does it apply to defence relocation housing?
LAFHA stands for Living Away From Home Allowance. It is an ATO-administered payment that helps cover extra costs when an employee lives away from their usual home for work. ADF personnel and defence contractors on posting may be eligible. Extended Stays provides quotes and invoices to support your claim.
How long can I stay in a furnished apartment arranged through Extended Stays for a defence posting?
Extended Stays arranges stays of 14 nights or more. Most defence posting transition stays run between four and twelve weeks. Longer stays can be arranged where needed. We find options and confirm the duration that fits your posting timeline and DHA allocation schedule.
What cities does Extended Stays cover for ADF relocation housing?
Extended Stays covers all major Australian base cities including Darwin, Townsville, Canberra, Adelaide (Edinburgh corridor), Perth, Sydney and Brisbane. We also find options in regional areas near smaller bases. Submit your brief with your posting location and we will send options promptly.
Are ADF contractors eligible for the same furnished apartment options as serving members?
Yes. Extended Stays finds furnished apartment options for both ADF serving members and defence contractors. Eligibility for specific government subsidies or allowances depends on your employment contract and tax situation. We provide documentation to help you or your employer process any applicable allowances.
Does Extended Stays provide documentation for LAFHA or internal approval purposes?
Yes. We provide detailed written quotes and invoices for every booking. Your employer, relocation coordinator or accountant uses these documents to process LAFHA claims or internal approvals. Extended Stays does not coordinate directly with government agencies or payroll systems on your behalf.
What is included in a furnished apartment for defence relocation housing?
Furnished apartments typically include a fully equipped kitchen, in-apartment laundry, high-speed Wi-Fi, linen, a dedicated workspace and secure parking. These inclusions are standard across most options Extended Stays sources for defence posting and relocation guests across Australia.