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.

There’s clear water between the parties on housing policy

Housing policy is a stark point of difference at this election. While the government took promising steps to set up social housing finance, it has yet to give any sign it will finish what it started.

Putting inheritance taxes back on the agenda

Reintroducing inheritance taxes would be an efficient and equitable way to address housing affordability, according to University of Queensland researchers.

A reset in housing policy is long overdue

The problems with housing systems in Australia and similar countries run deep. Solutions depend on a fundamental rethink of our approach to housing and its central place in our lives and the economy.

Removing broker commissions is a double-edged sword

The number of mortgage brokers providing a money-saving service to consumers could fall under changes recommended by the banking royal commission, according to Mark Humphrey-Jenner of UNSW Business School.

The growing pains of living on the urban fringe

The voice of residents needs to be included in the planning of our conurbations as they grow, as well as the metrics of how successful we are in delivering equitable cities that foster healthy, affordable and prosperous lives for all.

The rise of room sharing in Australia’s crowded cities

With affordable rental housing in short supply in Australia’s major cities, shared room accommodation is likely to increase with profound implications for residents of these rooms, local housing markets and government agencies.

Lovability versus liveability: what big data tells us about our neighbourhoods

Good communities need the right mix of public and private spaces, events, social diversity, leadership and investment to build the relationships which people need to be happy.

Introducing land rent, the ACT’s excellent idea for making houses cheaper

What if there was a way, right now, to offer a form of secure long-term home ownership to renters while saving them about half their housing costs?

Weak protections leave more renters exposed

The rising number of people using rental housing need improved protection as the market diversifies into niche services, says a new UNSW study based on data over the last decade.

Is rent-for-life becoming the new norm for families?

Young couples planning a family have traditionally been the group most likely to buy their first home. But high house prices and uncertain employment mean many more young families are staying in rental properties, and experts say regulations need to be kinder to these rent-for-lifers.