Our new ‘Topic of the Month' is something that each and every one of us can relate to - Australian Housing Affordability & Shortage.

The vast majority of Australians are spending a considerable portion of their income on mortgage repayments or rent, and the squeeze is getting tighter.

Access to decent, safe and affordable housing is recognised internationally as a basic human right, but we expect a lot more from our homes than mere shelter.

Let's discuss how we can ensure Australia has an ample, adequate and affordable supply of housing now and for the future.

• Australian Housing/Rental Crisis: Fact or Fiction?

• If the US Government isn't going to bailout the banks, what will this mean for us? Has it been a case of irresponsible lending or reckless borrowing?

• Should there be a stricter approach to lending? Is offering no deposit home loans and large mortgages to those who may have trouble making repayments contributing to the housing crisis?

• What should the role of government be? How much is within their control?

• Should the taxation system be reviewed to help home buyers enter the market? How can the government make it more accessible for lower or single income earners?

• Should stamp duty be abolished?

• How do our cultural standards for housing influence our choices? Will we ever be satisfied?

• Are you renting? What's changed for you during the last twelve months?

• What are the most successful low-income housing initiatives? Can Australia learn anything from similar initiatives in other countries?

• How can we make green housing affordable to low and moderate-income families?

• How can we help those facing homelessness?

If any of the points above strikes a chord, then get blogging now! Whether you are in the field of building and construction, planning and infrastructure, lending and finance, housing assistance, property sales and management, or have learnt something through your personal experience in the housing market, please share your insights with the rest of us.

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RELATED BLOGS & ARTICLES:

• The Rise of the Working Poor - by Phil Coller
• WA Housing Roundtable - by Scott Ludlam
• Many Faces to the Housing Crisis - by Stan Small
• First Home Saver Accounts - by Wayne Swan
• Gen X not unreasonable - by Chris Lamont
• Great News for Home Buyers and the Economy - by Tanya Plibersek
• House Price Gamblers Support Grant: Shockingly bad news for future generations and the economy - by Daniel Cox
• What the Stimulus Package Means - by Fiona Ryan-Clark 
• Opportunities in existing suburbs - by Simon Merrigan
• A tax for everything - by Alison Gordon
• Adding cost through the duplication of regulation - by Chris Lamont
• Everyone out of their comfort zone - by Fiona Ryan-Clark  
• Future Fund could do some heavy lifting at home - by Chris Lamont
• Is Renting Becoming a Full-Time Job? - by Sally Rose
• GDP smashed by preoccupation with inflation target - by Chris Lamont
• Playing it Safe as Houses - by Sally Rose
• Squeeze for homes worse than targets - by Sunanda Creagh, SMH Oct 2, 2008