Many families and older Australians find themselves in housing stress when they have to move and can't find a suitable or affordable new home.
The price of homes for rent or sale is rising faster than incomes. The median house price is now seven times the average annual income.
Currently one in ten Australian households are in housing stress, paying more than 30% of their income in housing costs. Paying too much for housing makes it harder for people to pay for the other basics, like food, clothes, transport and healthcare.
Housing Distress Stories
Anne - Sylvania, Sydney
After raising her children in rental housing following a divorce, Anne and her son were given 3 months notice from the home they shared when the landlord wanted to move back in. Anne, who is in her late 60's, experienced severe physical and emotional stress as she was unable to find a new home, and the Housing Department was unable to help her.
Wendy - Rockdale, Sydney
Wendy supports her adult daughter who has a developmental disability. They have been forced to move house three times in the last two years, and will soon face a fourth move as their rental house has been sold to a developer. They are both on a disbility pension and experience great difficulties finding a suitable home they can afford.
Kristy & John - Newcastle
Kristy, John and their three young children were homeless for 9 months this year. They travelled all over the Hunter trying to find rental housing in an intensely competitive market where people will pay over $100 a week more than the advertised rental rate. The family was forced to split up so the older boys could have a stable home and school. Their greatest fear was that they would still be homeless at Christmas.