Repairing the housing market

The fallout from COVID-19 for housing and homelessness just adds to the urgency of fixing the long-standing ills of the housing market. The well-being of Australia’s economy and people depends on it.

Stamping out stamp duty

It’s time to reform stamp duty, one of the most inefficient and distorting taxes collected by Australia’s state and territory governments.

The ‘missing middle’ offers a new housing solution

The days of urban McMansions are numbered and a QUT architecture lecturer says the solution to more flexible, affordable housing lies between a large home and a unit – the ‘missing middle’.

Australian housing needs a shake-up

Millions of Australians are struggling with unaffordable housing. It’s a systemic problem that’s been decades in the making, and only concerted system-wide reforms will fix it.

Tiny houses may not be the big answer

There has been significant growth in small house living, but that doesn’t mean Australia should “go big” on them in terms of overall housing policy.

Renters can be trapped for years in homes they can’t afford

After paying rent, more than half of low-income tenants don’t have enough left over for other essentials, and the latest evidence shows nearly half of them can be stuck in this situation for years.

Bigger on the inside?

Could Australia’s housing crisis be solved, not with a bold expensive plan, but with sneaky, under-the-radar remedies? Architectural researcher Alysia Bennett has been working on some strategies she thinks might work.

Lessons from abroad on affordable housing

Sydney’s housing, savings and public transport systems fail to offer its residents a competitive package of affordable housing, but lessons can be learned from Singapore and Hong Kong to create a better solution.

Addressing housing for older people

Australia faces a massive challenge delivering suitable housing for an ageing population, but what do older Australians actually want from their housing. And what can be done to ensure future supply matches demand?

Zero energy homes get zero interest from homebuyers

New home buyers care more about kitchen counter tops than easy opportunities for improved energy efficiency and thermal comfort.

Affordable rental housing policy not delivering for low income earners

A report by UNSW’s City Futures Research Centre finds planning policy is delivering micro-apartments for students and young professionals rather than affordable housing for low income families.

Sydney’s hidden housing problem

A new report released by the Sydney Policy Lab has found low income and vulnerable groups are being forced into informal and sometimes illegal housing arrangements, due to a lack of affordable alternatives.