{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research and analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News and inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Become an apprentice host Hire an apprentice Why host a HIA apprentice? Apprentice partner program Builder & manufacturer program Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Fuel savings See all Planning & safety solutions Building & planning services Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) Solutions for your business Contracts Online Advertise jobs Trusted support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Industrial relations
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom and design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2024 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Affordable rental housing a key to affordability for all

Media release

Affordable rental housing a key to affordability for all

Media release
Pressure on rental housing has significantly increased over the last 2 years, with a range of recent rental housing data showing the increase in rental prices due to the severe shortage in the supply of all forms of housing.

“While new home building activity has increased, there continues to be a short fall in private rental housing to meet demand. The outcome of a shortage in supply is an ever growing increase in demand for both social and affordable rental housing across Australia,” said Kristin Brookfield, HIA Chief Executive Industry Policy. 

“HIA has always maintained that sufficient housing needs to be available in each segment of the housing continuum. At a time when both owner occupied housing and market rate rental housing are under pressure, ensuring an adequate supply of affordable rental housing has never been more important. 

“Affordable, subdisied rental housing gives people a safe place to live, and if possible the chance to save for a future where they can move along the housing continuum and into a home of their own.

“HIA’s federal election imperatives set out some practical suggestions that go to addressing the current pressures on private and community rental housing.

“One practical solution is to ensure the existing commonwealth rent assistance stays on par with inflation and the cost of living.

“From a big picture perspective, the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation needs to continue and grow its program of bonds to facilitate the construction of more community rental housing.

“Next year the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement will be reviewed. This agreement needs to do more and be used to identify ways that all governments, federal and state, can increase their commitment to new social housing supply, year on year.

“It is also important to ensure that private investors are supported to maintain their homes in the private rental market. 

“Rental affordability is linked to house prices, but importantly at a time when not everyone can afford to buy a house due to high costs of living, affordable rental housing offers many people a stable place to live. 

“This election provides an important opportunity to deliver secure housing for all. This will support Australia’s economic recovery and our future economic growth.”

Read HIA’s federal election imperatives on rental housing, social and community housing

Kristin Brookfield

Deputy Managing Director

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
26 Jul
A plan for land is a plan for housing

“Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth are seeing residential land values grow at a rapid rate, while Sydney and Melbourne’s values remain relatively stable,” stated HIA Senior Economist Matt King.

26 Jul
New plumbing and drainage inspection procedures in Huntlee and-North Rothbury area

Plumbing and drainage inspections in the Huntlee and North Rothbury areas are moving from Cessnock City Council to Building Commission NSW.

25 Jul
BASIX transition period ending soon

The BASIX Transition period for eligible signed building contracts will end on 30 September 2024. BASIX Certificates must be generated by this date to apply the pre-1 October 2023 BASIX standards.

23 Jul
Lingering worker shortages see trade rates continue to rise

“As the number of new homes under construction continues to decline builders are reporting fewer difficulties scheduling skilled trades workers on their jobs, although availability of skilled workers remains worse than prior to the pandemic,” stated Geordan Murray, HIA Executive Director – Future Workforce.