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Housing

Intergenerational Share Housing: A Double-Edged Sword in Addressing Housing Affordability and Elder Abuse

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A joint research study between the University of Sunshine Coast and Anglicare is exploring the viability of homeowners renting out spare bedrooms to people at risk of homelessness. However, experts have raised concerns that this approach could inadvertently open the door to elder abuse, as highlighted by a recent report from the Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG). The study aims to combat Australia's housing affordability crisis by providing insights and recommendations to policy-makers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The University of Sunshine Coast and Anglicare are conducting a nationwide survey to explore the feasibility of intergenerational share housing as a solution to the housing affordability crisis.
  • The study hopes to identify specific requirements for homeowners considering rent-a-room schemes, including safety, legal implications, and social impacts.
  • Dr. Anna McKinley from the University of Sunshine Coast's School of Law and Society emphasized the potential benefits of intergenerational share housing for both homeowners and those at risk of homelessness.
  • A report by the Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) has found a clear link between housing and elder abuse, with "secure and stable housing" being a critical pathway out of abuse.
  • The same HAAG report revealed that older Australians living with people who are harming them often have no choice but to stay in the situation due to rising costs and limited availability of affordable housing.
  • A Queensland University of Technology economist has proposed incentivizing homeowners to rent their spare rooms to homeless individuals, citing the existence of 13 million unused bedrooms in existing housing stock.
  • The University of Sunshine Coast and Anglicare survey aims to provide a framework for setting up a support service, with plans to pilot the initiative in the next couple of years.

Statistics:

  • 13 million unused bedrooms exist in existing housing stock in Australia (Source: QUT economist)
  • Rising homelessness rates: Between 2020-2024, the number of Australians experiencing homelessness increased (Source: HAAG report)
  • Elder abuse prevalence: Older Australians of any age are at risk of abuse, and those experiencing housing issues are more likely to be trapped in cycles of abuse (Source: HAAG report)
  • households in Australia are experiencing housing stress (Source: HAAG report)

Sources:

  • "Aged care challenges to housing crisis: Six key priorities for new minister" by The Senior
  • "Push to increase rent assistance as battling pensioners face homelessness" by The Senior
  • "The most affordable places for Australian pensioners to rent revealed" by The Senior
  • "A report by the Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG)" (exact source not mentioned in original text)

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