Everybody’s Home released a snapshot of the state of housing in Australia – a state of crisis.
The findings are sobering. Many families and individuals are facing intolerable stress, struggling to pay their rent, mortgage repayments or unable to find housing.
- In 2021, the Census reported 122,494 people experiencing homelessness in Australia.
- The number of households needing social housing was reported as 640,000 and the average waiting time is 10+ years.
- 70% of renters are in financial stress
- 26% of mortgage holders are in financial stress
The identified policy solutions are:
- Boost social housing to 940,000 homes over the next two decades
- Aim for a target of 10% for social housing as a percentage of all housing stock
- States and Territory Governments should incentivise new housing developments to provide low cost and affordable housing, including mandatory inclusionary zoning
- Phase out existing tax breaks for investors in housing
- Introduce limits to rent increases, end no-grounds evictions, enforce minimum standards for rental homes, rental rules and regulations
- Raise the level of income support including Jobseeker and Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
Download the full report here.
Safe, stable, appropriate and affordable housing is the foundation for the health and well-being of communities and individuals. Without safe and secure homes, everything is affected, from children’s education to family stability and economic opportunity. How we respond to this crisis is one of the most critical challenges facing our nation.
