Housing affordability – really the lack of any – has moved to the centre of political debate.
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It is not surprising and long overdue. The critical question is when will the federal and state governments actually do something about it?
Affordability has become a grim issue for a wide range of people in many economic and social demographic groups.
Predictably it is the most vulnerable who suffer the most, as shown by statistics from Anglicare’s latest Australia Rental Affordability Snapshot released on Thursday.
It does not paint a pretty picture for the disadvantaged or battlers in metropolitan areas.
While the regions have turned house prices (and rentals) that are “much cheaper than in Sydney” into a marketing theme to attract new, skilled residents to bolster populations, they still have problems.
Our local house prices and rents may well be cheaper, but that “affordability” may not mean much to existing residents on lower pay than counterparts in metropolitan areas, those on minimum wages or others supported by welfare payments.
The Anglicare snapshot taken in Dubbo on April 1 showed less than 10 per cent of rental properties are affordable for young people on income support. There was not one rental property available that was affordable and appropriate for an individual on Youth Allowance or New Start, and there were only two viable properties for a person on the disability support pension.
They are only a few examples. Here, as in the big cities, battlers struggle to pay rents, which account for a steadily increasing slice of their home budgets. Anglicare says families and individuals in Dubbo need as much help as metropolitan counterparts.
Then there is the increasingly gloomy outlook for younger people who want to own their own homes “just like our parents did”. Constantly rising prices over the years have pushed that “Aussie dream” beyond the reach of many.
Who or what is to blame? Reasons depend on who is talking – negative gearing, investors, short supply, rising building costs …
The housing market and affordability are complex issues. For years governments have avoided serious involvement. Now it is a matter that could decide elections. They will see a need to act.
This is Australia. A decent, affordable roof over one’s head is not a “luxury” is a basic expectation.