Housing Crisis Deepens in Australia's Fastest-Growing Regional City

Strategic Insights -

As the population of Albany, Australia's fastest-growing regional city, continues to rise, a housing crisis is unfolding. The city, 420 kilometers south of Perth, has seen a 200% increase in internal migration, with many seeking a sea change or tree change. However, for those already living in the city, including those like Catherine Sawtell, who became homeless after her marriage broke down, the challenge of affording a home is impossible.

Key Takeaways:

  • The population of Albany has increased by 200% in the 12 months to December, with a 30% rise in demand for social housing in the past 18 months.
  • Only 6% of development approvals in the past five years have been for one and two-bedroom homes, but almost 90% of people on the social housing waiting list are seeking smaller dwellings.
  • There are over 750 eligible tenancies on the waitlist for the Great Southern region, with over 570 of those in Albany.
  • Catherine Sawtell, a 64-year-old university-educated woman, was forced to live in a house with rats under the floorboards and a possum in the roof before securing a social housing unit.
  • Small home solutions, such as the 12-unit development by Advance Housing, are being built with people like Ms. Sawtell in mind, but more are needed to address the crisis.
  • Housing Minister John Carey has announced plans to work with community housing providers to deliver more social and affordable housing across the state, targeting seniors and those with disabilities.

Statistics:

  • 200% increase in internal migration to Albany in the 12 months to December (Regional Australia Institute)
  • 30% rise in demand for social housing in the past 18 months (Advance Housing)
  • 6% of development approvals in the past five years were for one and two-bedroom homes (Advance Housing)
  • 90% of people on the social housing waiting list are seeking smaller dwellings (Advance Housing)
  • 750 eligible tenancies on the waitlist for the Great Southern region (Advance Housing)
  • 570 of those eligible tenancies are in Albany (Advance Housing)
  • 95% of people on the social housing waiting list in Albany are seeking smaller dwellings (Southern Aboriginal Corporation)

Sources:

  • Regional Australia Institute, "Regional Report"
  • Advance Housing, personal correspondence with Chief Executive John Lysaught
  • Southern Aboriginal Corporation, personal correspondence with Deputy Chief Executive Oscar Colbung
  • WA Housing Minister John Carey, personal correspondence