As part of Fremantle Design Week 2024, Tobias Busch spaceagency Director launched the first Community Land Trust in Fremantle; Land in Common.

Land in Common is an incorporated association formed in 2024 by Tobias Busch, Geoffrey London, Kate MacTiernan and Sean Kelly to form and support Community Land Trusts in Western Australia. Together with other stakeholders, including the City of Fremantle, Land in Common have been exploring options to secure land and funding to start the first CLT in Western Australia in Fremantle.

A safe, stable, and sustainable home is fundamental to our wellbeing. Yet, despite significant investment, housing affordability continues to be a pressing issue in Fremantle, where many households are struggling to access affordable housing.

Community Land Trusts (CLTs), a concept that originated in the U.S. in the 1960s, offer a solution by removing homes from the speculative market. They tie the value of homes to local median incomes, ensuring housing remains affordable. Unlike traditional models, CLTs treat housing as a right, with the land held for long-term community benefit. Homeowners hold long-term leases while the land remains in community ownership.

CLTs have successfully transformed housing around the world, and Fremantle is now joining this global movement.