Canberra-Queanbeyan families face worst rental affordability rates in the nation according to Anglicare’s annual Rental Affordability Snapshot, with 2.3% rental affordability for Canberra families on a minimum wage compared with 4% in Sydney and up to more than 40% in other comparable metro capitals. Regional statistics show that low income earners, young people and single parents the hardest hit.
Anglicare Chief Executive, Jeremy Halcrow, said the collapse of affordable rentals in the nation’s capital is catastrophic and cause for major concern.
“With housing affordability for low income families catastrophically dire, it clearly shows that the ACT government is not delivering affordable housing options for families. There needs to be more investment in social housing in Canberra,” said Mr Halcrow.
“Improving rental affordability is a complex issue and needs to be tackled across many areas. This includes improving security for renters, addressing the low level of welfare payments for low income families, and winding back negative gearing and capital gains tax exemptions, and redirecting funds saved into community and public housing,” said Mr Halcrow.
In its eighth year, the snapshot surveyed 1164 properties advertised for rent in the Canberra region on Saturday 1 April in terms of affordability and appropriateness to accommodate the required number of people.
The survey found there was no affordable and suitable property for anyone surviving on the Newstart or Youth allowance. For a single parent with one or more children, not one flat or townhouse was affordable and appropriate.
Comparing 2016 data to 2017, there is no improvement on previous years.
For Nicole, a single mother living in the nearby region of Yass, the findings are no surprise.
“After my husband passed away, I became the sole income earner for my family. Without help from Anglicare, I wouldn’t have been able to afford bond for the house I’m living in now which costs nearly $400 a week. Even now, the family budget is really tight,” said Nicole.
- Click here to view the Anglicare Rental Affordabilty Snapshot Report
- Click here to view the Anglicare Rental Affordabilty Snapshot Report for NSW South, NSW West and ACT
