Real estate investment fund Wentworth Wentworth Equities is soon to launch a "Los Angeles-inspired" residential, leisure and lifestyle precinct in Brisbane’s Hamilton riverside ahead of the predicted Olympic-led population explosion for the city.

Drawing its style inspiration and name from Los Angeles’ renowned The Grove, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hamilton-grove-19-hercules-street-hamilton-qld-4007">Hamilton Grove</a> will feature three residential towers and a vibrant street-level public precinct with curated luxury lifestyle, retail and dining offerings.

The first of the three towers, to launch in March 2026, will comprise 61 apartments, in the same building as a premium hotel.<img alt="Hamilton Grove" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d227fe61-8392-45b7-b386-9133f29a249f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-19%20at%209.10.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=HTCV35HZ4h84jQCmHwhsdIPN0ctO5d7Z" />

Wentworth Equities Executive Chairman Sameh Ibrahim said the precinct will be unique in its appeal to both residents and the wider community.

“Hamilton is already one of Brisbane’s most sought-after riverside suburbs and for good reason,” Ibrahim said.

“Where else in the world can you walk out of your front door and have everything you could possibly need at your fingertips? The city is just around the corner, the airport is only ten minutes away, you have the river and green spaces right there and premium retail and dining on your doorstep."

Wentworth Equities acquired the 7637 sqm Hercules St site in 2014, when Ibrahim said he had a "very clear vision" for the precinct, but ultimately it wasn't the right time to develop. He said Hamilton was still very much an "emerging precinct."

“Since then, Hamilton and surrounding suburbs like Ascot and Albion have significantly grown and matured into a precinct that aligns with our vision for Hamilton Grove. Brisbane as a whole has so much to offer in the way of lifestyle appeal, but as it stands it is so widespread – you go to Howard Smith Wharves for fine dining, you go to James Street for shopping, you go to West End to walk along the river – but what if you could go to Hamilton Grove for everything?

“Our vision is a precinct that brings together the best of Brisbane into one central space abundant with culture, class and culinary experience – a place that a lucky few will get to call home, but the rest of Brisbane still get to explore and experience at their leisure.”

<img alt="Hamilton Grove" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46550990-8aeb-44d4-bb47-150cdca96529" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-01-19%20at%209.10.50%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bmCkApPKY_Bj3z02Q8vI7Kyo_caJXOnv" />

Experienced civil engineering contractor Mainland Civil has been appointed to commence early works for the project, adding Hamilton Grove to their extensive portfolio where it will join other iconic Brisbane developments including Queens Wharf, 300 George Street, Infinity Tower and 1 William Street.

Construction on Tower One is scheduled to commence in early 2026 with completion expected in late 2028.

Fast Facts 
 
• Three residential towers and a vibrant street-level public precinct with curated luxury lifestyle, retail and dining offerings. 
• Construction on Tower One is expected to commence in Quarter One 2026, with completion expected in late 2028. 
• 7,637 square metre site at 19 Hercules St, Hamilton (part of Economic Development Queensland’s 304 hectare Northshore Hamilton Priority Development Area). 
• 61 waterfront residences and skyhomes in the first tower, ranging from two to five bedrooms. 
• Hamiton Grove will be officially launched in March 2026.

Joel Robinson

"LA-inspired" Hamilton Grove to launch on Brisbane riverside

There’s a quiet patch of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic-3122">Hawthorn</a>, between the bustle of Glenferrie Road and the curve of the Yarra, that rarely sees change, and even more rarely, new apartments. But that’s exactly where <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pomeroy-pacific-quattro-corp">PQD</a> is planting Kooyongkoot: a deliberate, 18-residence answer to the question of what downsizers actually want.

“This is something this pocket of Hawthorn has never seen before,” says Fil Gacesa, head of sales at PQD. “<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a> will deliver just 18 large-scale apartments in the heart of Hawthorn. It is the true definition of resort-style living.”

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/59D7VxzltmM?si=1iCzRD7FRneKryfv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

That scale is central to the story. It’s what allows for two dedicated lift cores, short corridors, and a generous lightcourt that draws natural ventilation and sunlight into every residence. It’s also what makes room for the sort of amenity usually confined to high-density towers: a fully equipped wellness centre with infrared and traditional saunas, yoga and pilates studio, cold therapy shower, and treatment room. There’s a golf simulator, car and dog wash stations, and extensive storage too, not bolted on, but baked in from the start.

But more than the checklist, it’s the design intent that carries weight. “This project has been many years in the making,” says Mark Pomeroy, Director of PQD. “Not just in planning, but in listening, to what our buyers and the local community are looking for”.

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That listening shows up in the materials, oak floors, natural stone, V-ZUG appliances, and in how space is handled. Penthouses feature private rooftop terraces with pools. Terraces and garden residences embrace outdoor connection. Inside, the layouts skew large and open, geared for hosting, not just housing.

Architecturally, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>’s approach is grounded. There’s no reaching for spectacle here. Instead, the building offers a sculptural calm, anchored by landscaping from Eckersley Garden Architecture.&nbsp;

“We wanted to create spaces that feel expansive, serene, and meaningfully connected to daily life,” said founding partner Chris Stribley elsewhere.

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That sentiment, calm, connection, echoes in the location itself. Kooyongkoot sits just a short stroll from Central Gardens, Fairview Park, and the Rivoli Cinema. Tram lines and schools are close, but the street is tucked, quiet, and leaf-lined.&nbsp;

“Residents of Kooyongkoot will be a short stroll from Fairview Park, Central Gardens, and the Glenferrie Road retail strip," Gacesa notes, "but you're also cocooned in this peaceful pocket behind extensive landscaping by Eckersley Garden Architecture.”

Kooyongkoot is set for completion in late 2026.

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Staff Writer

The project that said no to compromise: Inside Kooyongkoot, Hawthorn

When long-time Ivanhoe locals Graeme and Catherine, decided it was time to downsize, they weren’t necessarily in a rush.&nbsp;

Like many in their stage of life, they had started thinking about apartment living, but anticipated making the shift in two to three years.

That timeline changed when they visited <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, a new boutique development by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>. The project ticked all the boxes they were looking for: location, quality design, and long-term lifestyle benefits, which prompted them to bring their decision forward.

“It was the right place at the right time,” they said. “We knew immediately it ticked all the boxes, and we didn’t want to wait.”

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Their decision to downsize was driven by a combination of practical needs and lifestyle considerations. Their existing home, while much loved, had become increasingly difficult to maintain. It spanned multiple levels, included extensive front and back gardens, and was starting to show the wear that comes with age.&nbsp;

They were looking for a more manageable lifestyle, one with less upkeep and more freedom. A brand-new apartment with no maintenance requirements and the ability to simply “lock up and leave” gave them peace of mind and a greater sense of control over their future.

Financially, the purchase made sense as well. The available stamp duty savings, strong price-to-value offering, and timing of the settlement suited their plans, making the transition smoother and more cost-effective. The apartment's design and inclusions further supported their choice.

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The layout was both functional and flexible: three bedrooms, a butler’s pantry, a separate laundry, and a large open-plan living area. It gave them the freedom to host a family, accommodate guests, or set up a home office. The expansive balcony and elevated views added to the appeal, providing a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

“It just had a really good flow,” Catherine noted, something they found lacking in many other apartments they’d considered, particularly in the established market.

Candela’s boutique scale was another deciding factor. With a smaller number of residences and a top-floor penthouse position, the couple felt the development offered the privacy and space they were looking for, without feeling isolated.

“We liked that it wasn’t a huge development. It felt well-balanced, modern but still with a sense of community, not overwhelming,” they said.

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Equally important was the ability to remain in Ivanhoe, a suburb they know well and have deep roots in. After 46 years in the area, proximity to local parks, shops, and familiar faces mattered just as much as the apartment itself.

“We didn’t want to give up the community we’ve known for decades. Candela allowed us to upgrade our lifestyle while staying in the place we call home.”

With a Walk Score of 90, the village location supports a convenient, connected lifestyle. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ivanhoe-vic-3079">Ivanhoe</a> Station is just a eight-minute walk away, and the neighbourhood offers access to parks, cafes, restaurants, and schools along Upper Heidelberg Road, all within easy reach.

Beyond the apartment, the couple also saw value in the broader vision for Candela, one that integrates residential living with public spaces and local amenities.&nbsp;

The development introduces 58 new apartments as well as a mix of commercial and social spaces that integrate contemporary architecture with the suburb’s existing character.&nbsp;

At ground level, residents will find a charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. Meanwhile, the rooftop garden offers a stunning vantage point for residents to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, host gatherings, or enjoy barbecues with family and friends. It's not just a place to live; it's a vibrant community where every moment is an opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.

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Why Ivanhoe locals are choosing to downsize to Candela

Mark and Roy Makari are expanding their presence in Sydney’s South West with a second major proposal for Leppington, this time envisioning a 900-dwelling mixed-use development just 850 metres from their previously lodged tower trio on Fifth Avenue.

Project management and construction management firm Creative Vision filed the plans for the&nbsp;multi-building project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/230-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">230 Rickard Road, Leppington</a>. The proposal seeks to establish a new focal point for the precinct through a high-density, transit-oriented development supported by diverse land uses.

According to the Scoping Report prepared for the Department of Planning, the scheme includes around 900 apartments across multiple towers, including 135 dwellings designated for affordable housing. A mix of market and subsidised apartments will be supported by ground-level activation through retail and office space, a childcare centre, and a hotel, forming a comprehensive urban precinct.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34797362-f3dc-4d84-8235-2657fc5f3bde" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Plan.png?VersionId=Uzckrz9tUpDQl5lX1_WMhjnv16bsr8wG" />

The Design Report by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/studiosc-0">Studio SC</a> notes that the project “intends to deliver a high-quality, high-density built form that supports the vision for the Leppington Town Centre, integrating mixed-use outcomes and public domain upgrades.” The development is expected to be delivered in stages, although a precise timeline is yet to be confirmed.

The project will be assessed through a future State Significant Development Application, with the Scoping Report indicating the team will seek design excellence via a competitive process or through an expert design review panel. Early massing diagrams suggest a series of mid- to high-rise buildings framing a central landscaped spine, with emphasis on pedestrian permeability and public space.

The planning documentation flags a strong sustainability agenda, stating that the development will “respond to the urban heat island effect, incorporate water sensitive urban design, and prioritise active transport”.

<img alt="Mixed Use Development 230 Rickard Rd Leppington" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="369d7b54-1279-4cde-88ec-dcb215594414" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Podium_1.png?VersionId=QArL7B2kkLt63vl5xvL0FNV_ardAlez4" />

The proposal follows in the footsteps of the Makaris’ nearby Fifth Avenue site, where they’ve submitted plans for three towers comprising nearly 500 apartments, with 10 per cent dedicated to affordable housing. That project features commercial podiums, a childcare centre, and a new public park that would occupy more than a third of the site.

Both developments are situated within walking distance of Leppington Train Station and fall under strategic precinct plans promoting higher density housing. The town centre is undergoing substantial transformation, driven by state government planning reforms aimed at fast-tracking housing delivery.

Together, the two projects represent a combined ambition of nearly 1,400 new homes across just under two kilometres of central Leppington.

First look: 900-home mixed-use precinct planned for Leppington

Leading Australian integrated property development group, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aqualand-australia">Aqualand</a>, has released the signature penthouses crowning its landmark AURA by Aqualand precinct at 168 Walker Street in North Sydney, unveiling Il Magnate and La Divina as the largest and most luxurious penthouses in the suburb.

With prices anticipated to commence from $15 million, and each accompanied by a new Porsche Carrera 911 valued at over $500K, the residences mark the culmination of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a>’s decade-long journey and the beginning of its final sales chapter. 
&nbsp; 
Their release follows more than $850 million in record-breaking residential sales and the building’s completion and occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358868]

The Richards Stanisich-designed 284 sqm Il Magnate and 224 sqm La Divina penthouses, collectively known as The Icons of AURA, are conceived as grand luxury homes rather than apartments, with expansive proportions, elevated materiality and curated identities that reflect their status as one-off residences.&nbsp;

Il Magnate features a grande master suite, complete with substantial walk-in dressing area and ensuite, three other bedrooms, second ensuite and another bathroom, powder room, open plan kitchen, scullery, substantial dining area and generous living room divided by a feature fireplace, and a multifunction wintergarden, which is ideal for a study and adjoining office breakout space. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the La Divina residence offers the same amenities, sans the powder room, on a slightly smaller alternate floor plan configuration.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358863]

Each occupies half of AURA by Aqualand’s topmost 28th level, comes with four secure car spaces and pairs sweeping Sydney Harbour panoramas with large-scale living spaces, refined detailing and a level of craftsmanship and amenity rarely offered in the North Shore market.&nbsp;

Penthouse residents will also receive Etymon’s ‘Black Key’ private concierge and lifestyle management service, an invitation only offering providing the ultimate in bespoke personalisation, including a range of everyday discrete services, from dinner party management, grocery deliveries, pet feeding or plants watered, dinners, snacks and coffee deliveries, event ticket sourcing, right up to organising travel visas and international airfares. Rarely seen in Australian properties, the service provides residents the benefits of living in a world-class luxury hotel-style home, akin to The Ritz, or the Waldorf Astoria.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=358862]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>’s Director, Kirsten Stanisich, said the studio set out to craft residences that feel profoundly considered, contemporary and deeply connected to their setting.

“From the outset, we approached these penthouses with the sensibility of a grand Parisian residence - generous in scale, elegant in proportion and designed to feel more like a handcrafted home than an apartment," Stanisich said.

“Their elevated position and sweeping harbour outlook informed every decision, creating a rare connection between urban sophistication and natural calm. We shaped each space with expressive materiality, sculptural forms and bespoke detailing that invite touch and interaction.&nbsp;

“The result is a pair of residences defined by volume, light and an inherent softness - refined, flexible and deeply personal. These penthouses are unlike anything else in North Sydney, offering a sanctuary of true luxury framed by some of the city’s most remarkable views.”

For Aqualand’s Head of Sales &amp; Marketing, Alex Adams, the collaboration with Porsche underscores the shared ethos behind the residences.

“Aqualand’s collaboration with Porsche underpins both brand’s sharing an obsession with craftsmanship, design excellence, and enduring value," Adams said.

“Our penthouses are created for those who appreciate the finer details and expect the extraordinary at every touchpoint. Including a Porsche simply extends that experience beyond the residence - it’s a continuation of the lifestyle our buyers already live.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292862]

Aqualand’s Managing Director, Jin Lin, said the penthouses represent both the pinnacle of AURA by Aqualand and an important design benchmark for the company’s future pipeline.&nbsp;

“These stunning penthouses reflect the purest expression of Aqualand’s design ambition," Lin said.

“The unparalleled design intent makes them not only the glistening crown of AURA by Aqualand, but the crown of North Sydney itself. They’re essentially a thank you gift to a burgeoning community that deserves this level of quality and architectural consideration.&nbsp;

“We’re leveraging the unrivalled standard set here as the foundation for what comes next, including our upcoming Anderson Street, Chatswood; 15 Blue Street, North Sydney and Central Barangaroo projects. Purchasers of these penthouses will essentially be living inside the blueprint of Aqualand’s future.

“These landmark residences demonstrate how far North Sydney has evolved and the strength of demand for highly curated, bespoke luxury homes. They’re more than penthouses, they’re legacy residences.&nbsp;

“With AURA by Aqualand now a thriving new precinct with residents well and truly settled, and our in-house world-class lifestyle amenity activated, Il Magnate and La Divina represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure an extraordinary piece of North Sydney’s future.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=30959]

Aqualand launches North Sydney penthouses with free Porsche Carrera 911

Renters

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Despite rental affordability across Sydney improving in the past year the NSW capital remains critically unaffordable to significant proportions of the renting population, especially very low and low-income households, the latest release of the Rental Affordability Index (RAI) has found.
Greater Sydney’s affordability is the highest recorded over the past eight years, improving by 5.7 per cent in the past 12 months – which has almost entirely been driven by the decline in rents caused by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the only city which has shifted from moderately unaffordable to acceptable rents, despite affordability improving across most metropolitan regions.
Despite the lower rental rates, the difference for very low-income households is negligible, as they still face severely unaffordable rents across Sydney.
The RAI is an indicator of the price of rents relative to household incomes based on new rental agreements. It is released annually by National Shelter, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, SGS Economics &amp; Planning and the Brotherhood of St Laurence. The report provides an indication on the impact of early COVID-19 responses and supplement payments, measuring rental affordability for households until the June quarter 2020.
A score of 100 on the RAI indicates that households are spending 30 per cent of their income on rent, which would cause low-income households to be in rental stress. They may have to forgo necessities including food, power and medical care to make ends meet. A score of 100-120 shows that households are facing moderately unaffordable rents.
With a score 126 in the June quarter of 2020, rents have shifted from moderately unaffordable to acceptable, on average, in Sydney. The average rental household in Greater Sydney spends about 24 per cent of its total income on rent – which is the same in regional NSW, which has an RAI score of 124.
However, lower-income households have to fork out a much higher proportion of their income to afford a roof over their heads in Greater Sydney:
<ul>
<li>Single person on JobSeeker: 69 per cent of income (extremely unaffordable)</li>
<li>Single pensioner: 79 per cent of income (extremely unaffordable)</li>
<li>Pensioner couple: 53 per cent of income (severely unaffordable)</li>
<li>Single part-time worker parent on benefits: 47 per cent of income (severely unaffordable)</li>
<li>Full-time hospitality worker: 35 per cent of income (unaffordable)</li>
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Regional NSW is the second least affordable rest of state areas with an RAI score of 124, behind regional Tasmania (114). The average household seeking to rent in regional NSW would face rent levels at 24 per cent of its total income, which means rents remain acceptable to affordable across regional NSW. As households move from the city to regional centres, this may impact affordability.
In Victoria, there is a massive need for government investment in social and affordable housing – and now is the time for it since borrowing costs are so low in Australia. Without investment in this space, we are ignoring our responsibility to help people be decently housed.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Low income households face unaffordable rents: RAI

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Mirvac official opens LIV Indigo at Sydney Olympic Park, the first residential community in NSW designed and built exclusively for renters.
LIV Indigo is an Australian adaptation of the build to rent model which has soared in popularity in the US and UK, and reduces the vulnerability of tenants in private rental.
Residents will be offered a minimum 12-month secure lease with rental increases capped, no bond requirement, on-site maintenance teams to deal with repairs instantly.
They will also be offered the freedom to paint the walls of their home, bang in a nail to hang a picture and keep a pet without having to negotiate strata by-laws.
The opening event was officiated by Mirvac CEO &amp; Managing Director, Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz and NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes.
Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz said LIV bridged the gap between owning and renting, offering the flexibility of renting with a sense of security akin to ownership.
“We are living in an era where property ownership is not the overarching goal of all Australians,” said Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz. 
“And those who do aspire to home ownership will on average spend more time in the rental market before they can afford to buy their home.
“We studied the market overseas, spoke to Australians about their rental experience and from these insights crafted an entirely new housing choice that offers convenience, comfort and above all security.”
LIV Indigo, within Mirvac’s soon to be completed Pavilions residential development, offers residents a shared community and entertaining space with kitchen lounge and dining area, cinema room, co- working spaces, private and bookable meeting rooms, a gym, workout and fitness space, children’s play room and barbecue facilities.
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To help build a sense of community, a manager and onsite team will welcome residents as well as arranging events and activities when the first residents move in from 1 September.
institutional landlords such as Mirvac would provide more stability and certainty for those who rent.
“We can’t just assume that the homeowner model is for everyone. As society changes and grows, our policies and approaches to living need to reflect that,” Mr Stokes said.
“Build to rent can attract direct investment in construction at a time when bank finance is hard to secure. It is a critical way to ensure housing is built during difficult financial times.
“Not only do we need different types of housing, such as detached, high-rise and missing-middle types, we need different tenures so that individuals and families can access secure housing that suits their circumstances.”
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In line with Mirvac’s sustainability goals, LIV Indigo has been designed to achieve 40 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions. 
Energy and water-saving measures include upgraded glazing to improve thermal performance, LED lighting throughout, energy-efficient appliances, solar power and water efficient taps, toilets, showers and washing machines.
Residents will also have access to electric vehicle charging stations and connection to Sydney Olympic Park’s recycled water network.
The Australian Government, through the CEFC, committed to invest $63 million in LIV Indigo via Mirvac’s Australian Build-to-Rent Club in 2018. 
“We are pleased to be working with Mirvac to show how commercially viable sustainable initiatives can lower energy costs for residents and building owners, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Australia’s housing market," the CEFC CEO, Ian Learmonth said. 
Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz said recently announced tax discounts proposed by the NSW Government would help Australia’s nascent build to rent sector expand as it has overseas.
“The key drivers for the growth of build to rent overseas – housing affordability, supply, urbanisation and demographics – are all present here in Australia,” said Ms Lloyd-Hurwitz.
“Home ownership rates have been declining for many years and affordability issues mean that more Australians are destined to be long-term or life-long renters.
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“But we are also seeing a fundamental change in the attitudes of people who rent by choice because they are pursuing other investment strategies or have down-sized and want to release the equity from their home to enjoy their retirement.”
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Mirvac officially opens its first purpose built build to rent property

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GUEST OBSERVATION
What began as a global health crisis in the form of COVID-19 is now also an economic crisis of <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/economics/coronavirus-worst-year-since-great-depression-says-imf/news-story/0e9976bdbd46ebae16d19f8190241467">historic proportions</a>. Much of the housing policy focus during the pandemic has rightly centred on the plight of people who are <a href="https://theconversation.com/homelessness-and-overcrowding-expose-us-all-to-coronavirus-heres-what-we-can-do-to-stop-the-spread-134378">insecurely housed or homeless</a>. Another strand of commentary has focused on a likely <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-01/national-house-prices-march-coronavirus-property-corelogic/12109434">fall in property values</a>.
But what does the pandemic mean for housing market inequalities in Australia? And what are the policy implications?
The renter-owner gap will widen
Despite concerns about house prices plummeting, the spread of COVID-19 is exposing a widening gap in housing markets between those who own zero housing wealth (renters) and those with substantial housing wealth (owners).
Australians with little to no housing wealth were already experiencing at least three key types of vulnerabilities before the pandemic in the form of work insecurity, financial stress and ill-health.
The charts below show the comparisons between renters and home owners in these three categories of vulnerability, using data from the <a href="https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/hilda">HILDA Survey</a>. Owners are ranked in quintiles by housing equity, from the bottom 20% (Q1) to the top 20% (Q5).
Renters were much more likely to be unemployed or in casual jobs than people with high housing wealth.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/328282/original/file-20200416-140719-139mm6a.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/328282/original/file-20200416-140719-139mm6a.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Note: Sample includes all persons aged 25+ no longer living in their parents’ homes. Housing equity is defined as family home value minus mortgage debt. Population weights have been applied. Author's calculations from 2017 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics Survey data, Author provided
Both renters and owners with low housing equity were more likely to have difficulty paying their rent, mortgage and utility bills on time. They were less likely to be able to raise emergency funds when needed.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/328285/original/file-20200416-140706-q8u8wo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/328285/original/file-20200416-140706-q8u8wo.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Note: Sample includes all persons aged 25+ who are no longer living in their parents’ homes. Housing equity is defined as family home value minus mortgage debt. Population weights have been applied. Author's calculations from 2017 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics Survey data, Author provided
Renters were also more likely to report poorer physical and mental health.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/328286/original/file-20200416-140697-1nqojfc.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/328286/original/file-20200416-140697-1nqojfc.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Note: Sample includes all persons aged 25+ who are no longer living in their parents’ homes. Housing equity is defined as family home value minus mortgage debt. Population weights have been applied. Author's calculations from 2017 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics Survey data, Author provided
The spread of coronavirus has added to these existing vulnerabilities. Casual workers have been <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-26/coronavirus-centrelink-unemployment-canberra-jobseeker-casuals/12089532">particularly vulnerable to job loss</a>.
The <a href="https://www.who.int/social_determinants/thecommission/finalreport/key_concepts/en/">social gradient in health</a> is well-known. People on the bottom rungs of the socioeconomic ladder tend to be in poorer health. They are then more likely to develop serious <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/hack/coronavirus-is-exposing-whats-broken-in-australia/12081812">health problems from the coronavirus</a>.
Post-pandemic markets will add to inequalities
COVID-19 is making existing economic inequalities worse. And even in a post-pandemic world it can be expected to slow down wealth accumulation among renters.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2014/sep/2">Hysteresis</a> is a term used to describe an economic event that persists into the future, after the factors that led to the event have disappeared. In labour markets, the long-term unemployed also suffer long-term damage to their job prospects as their skills deteriorate and they are regarded as less employable.
This hysteresis effect will likely spill over into housing markets. Any crisis-driven falls in house prices may be short-term as <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/advice/is-property-still-safe-as-houses-947518/?utm_campaign=strap-masthead&amp;utm_source=the-age&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_content=pos5&amp;ref=pos1">housing values remain relatively insulated</a> by record low interest rates. People who are exposed to job loss, insecure work or ill-health during the crisis will face a greater struggle to regain their economic footing after the pandemic than those from more affluent backgrounds.
This means the wealth-accumulating capacity of people with little to no housing equity is further compromised during and after the pandemic. In short, renters could fall further behind in their ability to buy a home. The gap between the haves and have-nots will grow.
3 principles for post-pandemic policy
An even more unequal housing future for Australia is undesirable. The post-crisis housing debate will need to be conducted with three key elements in mind: equity, solidarity and security.
Equity in access to housing opportunities must not slide off policymakers’ radar. It is not a debatable fact that governments have long provided <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-10/budget-2018-housing-affordability-first-home-owners-millennials/9745672">generous concessions</a> for property buyers. These measures include <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-politicians-hate-the-idea-of-taxing-the-homes-of-the-rich-52973">capital gains tax discounts</a>, family home exemptions from <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-land-value-tax-could-fix-australasias-housing-crisis-49997">land tax</a> and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/topics/assets/30621">income support means tests</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-game-of-homes-how-the-vested-interests-lie-about-negative-gearing-112222">negative gearing for investors</a>.
These preferential tax treatments have <a href="https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/assets/documents/hilda-bibliography/other-publications/pre2010/Wood_Stewart_and_Ong_Housing_Taxation.pdf">far exceeded government spending on renters</a>. Notwithstanding the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14036090120617">benefits commonly associated with home ownership</a>, restoring some balance in the distribution of subsidies between owners and renters is essential to narrow the widening chasm between them.
Solidarity between generations will be more crucial than ever before to preserve Australia’s social and economic fabric. The <a href="https://theconversation.com/vital-signs-scott-morrison-is-steering-in-the-right-direction-but-were-going-to-need-a-bigger-boat-135209">surge in national debt</a> created in response to the crisis will likely be a multi-generational burden.
Some might be tempted to return to pitting the young against the old in housing debates. Policy thinking that encourages solidarity, rather than stoking tensions between generations, will be increasingly important. For instance, <a href="https://www.ceda.com.au/CEDA/media/General/Publication/PDFs/HousingAustraliaFinal_Flipsnack.pdf">abolishing stamp duty together with levying land tax on all land</a> will remove a key financial barrier to home purchases for both young first-time buyers and older downsizers.
The formation of the national cabinet to oversee the response to COVID-19 also provides a post-pandemic forum to forge federal-state cooperation on the required reforms. Federal support will be needed to help cover state revenue shortfalls in a <a href="https://www.taxinstitute.com.au/australian-tax-forum/stamp-duties-land-tax-and-housing-affordability-the-case-for-reform">gradual transition to land tax</a>. On the other hand, the release of housing equity by older downsizers should ease <a href="https://theconversation.com/fall-in-ageing-australians-home-ownership-rates-looms-as-seismic-shock-for-housing-policy-120651">pressures on the federal retirement incomes system</a>.
Finally, it is time to reprioritise <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/documents/publications/fs21_rev_1_housing_en.pdf">housing security as a foundation for fostering good health and economic participation</a>. Critical public health measures to avoid the spread of disease, such as social distancing and staying at home, are inherently shelter-related. These measures are rarely achievable for <a href="https://theconversation.com/homelessness-and-overcrowding-expose-us-all-to-coronavirus-heres-what-we-can-do-to-stop-the-spread-134378">people who are homeless or in overcrowded housing</a>.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/135808/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rachel-ong-viforj-113482">Rachel Ong ViforJ</a>, Professor of Economics, School of Economics, Finance and Property, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873">Curtin University</a>
This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/as-coronavirus-widens-the-renter-owner-divide-housing-policies-will-have-to-change-135808">original article</a>.
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As coronavirus widens the renter-owner divide, housing policies will have to change

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The private rental sector has expanded at <a href="/news">more than twice the rate</a> of the increase in Australian households in the last two decades. This <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14036096.2018.1467964" target="_blank">increasingly diverse form of tenure</a> now houses about <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/4130.0%7E2017-18%7EMedia%20Release%7EMore%20households%20renting%20as%20home%20ownership%20falls%20(Media%20Release)%7E10" target="_blank">one in four of us</a>.
Australia’s <a href="/news">lightly regulated private rental sector</a> means the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1440783317707833?journalCode=josb" target="_blank">insecurity of tenants</a> is a key factor in why most Australians <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/story-streams/federal-budget-2017/2017-05-07/housing-affordability-australia-statistics-federal-budget-2017/8502106" target="_blank">aspire to own their home</a>. However, despite this insecurity, our <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14036096.2018.1467964" target="_blank">research</a> suggests an increase in people choosing to <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02673037.2017.1301400" target="_blank">rent for a long time</a> – ten years or more – accounts for a small part of the growth in private renters.
Much of this growth is attributable to <a href="/news">middle- and high-income tenants</a>. Especially in Melbourne and Sydney, <a href="https://localgovernmentandhousingproject.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/iuhf-journal-summer2018_alan_morris.pdf" target="_blank">high housing prices</a> mean saving for a deposit takes much <a href="https://neo.ubs.com/shared/d1ZatPa3iM8ech/" target="_blank">longer than in the 1990s</a>. In the meantime these households are renting <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02673037.2017.1301400" target="_blank">for a long time</a>.
‘Who stays put, loses’
In our survey of 600 private renters in different areas of Sydney and Melbourne, we asked: “Many people are renting privately for longer periods (10+ years). Do you think this is a positive trend?”
About a third responded in mainly positive terms. Their main reasons were:
1. renting is more affordable than ownin
2. there are fewer worries and liabilities
3. renting is more flexible than owning.
Some questioned the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14036096.2018.1467964" target="_blank">norm of home ownership in Australia</a>.
For a more in-depth understanding, we interviewed 60 long-term private renters in low, medium and high-rent areas in Melbourne and Sydney. Almost all who chose to rent mentioned flexibility as a key advantage.
“Choosers” highly valued the freedom to move or travel at will. Zygmunt Bauman’s concept of <a href="https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Liquid+Modernity-p-9780745624099" target="_blank">liquid modernity</a> highlights the increasing desire for transience. As he <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=zZwvv3tQ1UYC&amp;pg=PT95&amp;lpg=PT95&amp;dq=Transience+has+replaced+durability&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=VbuUO62ZhV&amp;sig=ACfU3U32LtxCmjxJfboinOrMwt706zkAVw&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjP4_qby7vnAhXwwzgGHYJXDagQ6AEwAHoECAYQAQ#v=onepage&amp;q=Transience%20has%20replaced%20durability&amp;f=false" target="_blank">explains</a>:
Transience has replaced durability at the top of the value table. What is valued today (by choice as much as by unchosen necessity) is the ability to be on the move, to travel light and at short notice. Power is measured by the speed with which responsibilities can be escaped. Who accelerates, wins; who stays put, loses.
Renters in their own words
Patricia*, who lives in a high-rent part of Melbourne, has always rented.
Well since I came to Australia in 1977, I rented. I didn’t want to buy. Got close [to buying] a couple of times, but changed my mind.
I just travel anywhere and everywhere. I thought […] if you’ve got a house you’re stuck there, and I thought, no. I work hard for my money, so that money that I work hard for is for me, not to have a [permanent] roof over my head. […] Renting has been good for me because I can still do what I want.
Myra lives in a studio apartment in a high-rent area in Sydney and has no desire to own a home. She is single, in her mid- to late 30s, and earns well. The possibility of being asked to vacate did not bother her.
Maybe I’ve been lucky, but every situation has always sorted itself out. You know a lot of people would have freaked out if they had to move out […] It didn’t concern me in the slightest, yeah. I mean not at all. There’s always somewhere to stay. So it suits my lifestyle. I wouldn’t want to buy [a property], even if I had the money.
Leanne inherited a third of a house. Rather than using the proceeds to buy a property, she decided to move to Melbourne’s inner city (a high-rent area) and continue renting.
So I thought rather than put money into a house […] I would invest it and I could travel and go to concerts and live the life I wanted to lead, so that’s basically what I did and I’m still renting.
Pam was renting in a low-rent area in outer Sydney. She felt her situation required the flexibility of renting:
The relationship was rocky and you can’t predict the future, but I knew it wasn’t going to end up in marriage and kids and all that kind of crap […] We were both working, both earning good money and we could have afforded to buy a house between us […] But for me it was like, no. I don’t know where this [her relationship] is going, so no way, I’m not going to put myself in that predicament [having a joint mortgage] and then have to go through court to go, “This is mine, this is yours”, all that crap. But so it was my choice to rent and to stick to it […] I’m not going to rely on anybody else for anything, no way.
Her renter status allowed Pam to make a rapid, clean break.
I just got up one day and walked cos I knew he was going to ask me to marry him the next day, so I said: “I’m just going to go to the shops to get a packet of cigarettes.” I left everything behind. I went for a walk, never went home.
For the families with children who choose to rent long-term, the key reason is it allows them to live in highly desirable areas where they cannot afford to buy. Gabrielle and her partner earn well and live in a high-rent area in Sydney:
Sure it [home ownership] provides you with security and you don’t have that stress of […] having to move. I get that, but at the same time, you know for us, for example, if we wanted to buy we’d be paying four times what we pay at the moment in a mortgage […] It doesn’t really make financial sense to go and do that […] You’d have to live somewhere. So I choose to live in a nice area where my children are [at school].
They also did not want the burden of a large mortgage:
[…] I have no desire to put myself in a position where I have a $2 million mortgage and have to work for the rest of my short life to pay for it […]
Although probably only a small proportion of people choose to rent long-term, this option may be gaining ground. Young, well-paid professionals in particular see the flexibility of private renting as attractive.
Location also seems to be a critical factor. Most of the choosers rented in desirable inner suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne, which would otherwise be inaccessible. An estimated <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02673037.2014.925097" target="_blank">one-in-eight private renters</a> are “rentvestors” who rent where they want to live and buy elsewhere to get a foothold in the housing market.
*All names used are pseudonyms.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/130696/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alan-morris-13337" target="_blank">Alan Morris</a>, Research Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936" target="_blank">University of Technology Sydney</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hal-pawson-147969">Hal Pawson</a>, Associate Director - City Futures - Urban Policy and Strategy, City Futures Research Centre, Housing Policy and Practice, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-1414" target="_blank">UNSW</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kath-hulse-228874" target="_blank">Kath Hulse</a>, Research Professor, Centre for Urban Transitions, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767" target="_blank">Swinburne University of Technology</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-wouldnt-want-to-buy-even-if-i-had-the-money-the-rise-of-renters-by-choice-130696" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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'I wouldn’t want to buy even if I had the money.' The rise of renters by choice

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Two-thirds of tenants in Australia rent through a real estate agent. A national shortage of private rental housing forces these tenants to impress the real estate agent to secure a property – their application needs to stand out from other applications.
An analysis of articles on leading online real estate sites www.realestate.com.au and www.domain.com.au identifies six aspects of interactions between the real estate agent and tenant that affect a tenant’s ability to secure a rental property. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02673037.2019.1621271?journalCode=chos20" target="_blank">My research</a> reveals the power of the agent over the tenant. Agents strongly stigmatise certain tenant characteristics during the property search.
These real estate articles typically fail to recognise the systemic issues of housing shortages in Australia. As <a href="https://theconversation.com/affordable-housing-lessons-from-sydney-hong-kong-and-singapore-3-keys-to-getting-the-policy-mix-right-123443" target="_blank">owner-occupied housing becomes more unaffordable</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/focus-on-managing-social-housing-waiting-lists-is-failing-low-income-households-120675" target="_blank">public housing becomes less available</a>, a variety of household types are competing in a high-demand private rental market.
Households have differing economic, cultural and social capital. This puts some applicants for a rental property at a disadvantage. But real estate sites present the issue of secure rental housing as an individual problem that can easily be overcome once a tenant understands how to highlight their desirable characteristics when applying for a rental property.
How do agents assess tenants?
When assessing a rental application, the two most important qualities a real estate agent looks for are a tenant’s ability to pay the rent on time and their ability and/or willingness to care for the rental property.
In addition, a tenant’s ability to impress the real estate agent matters. My research identifies six aspects of interactions between agent and tenant that affect the ability to secure a rental property:
<ol>
<li>responsibility – positive reference/s from previous agents and/or landlords help demonstrate this</li>
<li>making an impression – dress appropriately and be on time for inspections, engage with the agent and present an easy-to-read, error-free application form</li>
<li>established relationships – a previously established relationship with the agent or landlord improves the tenant’s chances</li>
<li>honesty – tenants are encouraged to be honest with their agent about their lifestyle</li>
<li>flexibility – be flexible about lease length and the cost of rent</li>
<li>creative thinking – for example, bringing cupcakes to a rental inspection.</li>
</ol>
Through these interactions, tenants can highlight their desirable characteristics while downplaying their undesirable characteristics.
Selection process reinforces disadvantage
The ability to make a good impression on the agent, however, is largely based on a variety of factors that place some tenants at a disadvantage.
For example, tenants are advised that several lifestyle factors may hamper their ability to secure a property. These include pets, dependent children, age, a negative rental history and other potential housemates.
These findings match those of an <a href="http://shelter.org.au/site/wp-content/uploads/The-Australian-Rental-Market-Report-Final-Web.pdf" target="_blank">Australian survey of private renters</a>, commissioned by Choice, National Shelter and the National Association of Tenant Organisations. It found 50% of renters have experienced discrimination in the private rental sector. This includes discrimination on the basis of: pets (23%), receiving government payments (17%), age (14%), having young children (10%), being a single parent (7%), race (6%), needing to use a bond loan (5%), gender (5%), disability (5%) and sexuality (2%).
Further, when it comes to making an impression, some tenants are at a significant advantage. For example, factors such as English proficiency and the ability to “dress to impress” are often a reflection of economic and cultural capital.
The articles assume that presenting an application form with no spelling and grammatical errors is simply a matter of taking a little extra care. However, a newly arrived migrant may find this difficult, not because of laziness but because they may not yet be proficient in English.
The articles also highlight a tenant’s willingness to be flexible as important. Flexibility is presented in the following ways:
<ul>
<li>where demand for properties is high, tenants are advised to offer more rent</li>
<li>when a tenant has no rental history, they are advised to offer to pay rent in advance</li>
<li>tenants are also advised to cater to the needs of the real estate agent and landlord by being flexible about the length of the lease.</li>
</ul>
Tenants’ ability to be flexible in these ways varies greatly. For example, not all tenants have the means to offer more rent or pay rent in advance. The ability to be flexible about lease length also differs depending on individual circumstances.
My research shows the process of securing a rental property could reinforce the disadvantage of some tenants. This raises an important question. When private rental housing is the only option, what happens to those tenants who fail to impress the real estate agent?
Bronwyn Bate, PhD Candidate, Urban Research Program, Western Sydney University.
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/looking-to-rent-a-home-6-things-that-will-help-or-hinder-you-123753" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Looking to rent a home? Six things that will help or hinder you

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The proportion of Australian households renting their home increased to 32 per cent in 2017–18, according to new figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). 
It was an increase from 27 per cent in 1997–98. Over the same 20-year period, the proportion of households that rented their home from a private landlord increased to 27 per cent (up from 20 per cent), while the proportion of public housing tenants decreased from 6 per cent to 3 per cent. "Most of the increase in renter households was in the private rental market," said ABS Chief Economist, Bruce Hockman. 
"Some of the decrease in public housing numbers can be attributed to recent trends in social housing provision which have seen the community housing sector taking on an increasingly prominent role." The proportion of households that owned their own home fell to 66 per cent, down from 70 per cent in 1997-98. The proportion of households that owned their home without a mortgage decreased to 30 per cent (down from 40 per cent), while the proportion who owned their home with a mortgage increased to 37 per cent (up from 31 per cent). One in five households (20 per cent) owned one or more residential properties other than their usual residence. Of those households that owned other residential property, 71 per cent owned a single property, while 5 per cent owned four or more properties.
 Housing costs remained steady for most household tenure types when compared to recent years. On average, in 2017-18, renters paid $366 per week on housing, while housing costs for owners with a mortgage were $484 per week. "Interest rates have remained relatively low over the past several years and we have seen a recent softening in the rental market in some major cities," Mr. Hockman said.  The data shows that renters continued to devote more of their income to housing than home owners. On average, private renters paid 20 per cent of their income on housing costs, compared to 16 per cent for owners with a mortgage and 3 per cent for households who owned their home outright. Lower income households spent a greater proportion of their household income on housing. On average, lower income households renting privately paid $339 per week which was 32 per cent of their gross weekly income. Lower income households who owned their home with a mortgage paid on average $376 per week which was 29 per cent of their gross weekly income.
Housing costs include rent payments; rate payments (water and general); and mortgage or unsecured loan payments (if the initial purpose of the loan was primarily to buy, add, or alter the dwelling).
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Renters on the rise as outright home ownership falls to 66 percent: ABS

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New data from the rental property website Rent.com.au has revealed what’s on the minds of renters ahead of the 2019 Federal Election. 
Results from the March election survey indicated that a significant group of Australia’s renters are generally undecided voters, indicating the opportunity available to the various parties if they can clearly articulate their policies.
“Having nearly 70% of our renting population unsure of who to vote for was a surprise to me,” said Rent.com.au CEO Greg Bader (pictured above).
“Maybe it shouldn’t have been, given the recent, relatively unstable nature of federal politics. 
“We have all major parties talking about their potential changes (or lack of changes) to some of the core elements that promote investment in properties such as capital gains tax and negative gearing, yet they do not seem to be able to articulate clearly how this will affect renters: will there be more choice; will prices go up or down? These are the things that the renting (and wider) population would like to know”.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/4/3/renter%201%20.png" alt="">
Source: rent.com.au
“Given that one-third of the population rents, the responses to this question go broader than renting issues and show that the various political parties still have an opportunity to make a significant difference in the upcoming election. Especially given the number of marginal seats and the rise of independent candidates in our political system,” said Bader.
“To me the message is very clear, renting voters want politicians to be more open and honest with them by explaining their policies (and the reasons) clearly. Renters know that both State and Federal Governments have the power to change policies and legislation that will have significant and lasting impacts on their lifestyle, so for our Federal politicians – speak clearly please. 
“One of the real structural issues in our market (and somewhat unique in the world) is that most of our renting stock is held by private investors with one or two properties – i.e. ‘mums and dads’ whereas other markets have managed to create environments with a diversity of stock. So we would encourage the Federal government, from whichever side of politics, to keep pushing through changes to encourage the ‘build to rent’ industry.”
The perception is that things aren’t getting better for renters 
Asked about change in the political climate for renters since the last election back in 2016, responses were concrete; 83% reported that they felt no improvement in the renters’ lot. 
“We (as an industry and as a community) need to understand that one in three of us rents and that proportion is growing,” Bader said. “What tenants want is a place to live – a home – and the ability to treat that property as their home. Lease security and flexible lease durations are all major issues that renters face.”
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/4/3/renter%202.png" alt="">
Source: rent.com.au
“Our research shows that 80% of renters feel they have not been acknowledged by major political parties in the lead-up to the 2019 Federal Election. This is an opportunity for our Federal politicians to secure renters votes through policies that can be simply explained including what expected impacts they will have. 
“We also know that State Governments play a significant role with renting legislation. In fact, most states have passed (or are in the process of passing) changes to the Residential Tenancies Act which have been designed to strengthen renters’ rights, better protect vulnerable tenants and enable people to turn the house they rent into a home, for example. Surprisingly, some 70% of respondents were not actually aware of the changes happening in their states so there is also an opportunity to communicate some of the excellent work underway.”
Affordability still an issue, but a growing market wants to rent 
Bader said: “While we’ve recently seen an increase in the amount of people choosing to rent for lifestyle purposes (the ‘practical renter’), our survey found that affordability was still a significant driver.” 
“The renting demographic in this country is on the rise and pretty consistent with global trends. Australia’s 7 million renters make up a significant proportion – around 30% of the total population and this number is steadily increasing. It’s a growing market, and one in need of advocacy and recognition.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/4/3/renter%203.png" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge: 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/4/3/renter%203.png" alt="">
“We know from our research and work with our customer base that yes, affordability is still an important factor for many (especially the last few years in Sydney and Melbourne, and more recently in Hobart). We are also seeing that people enjoy the flexibility (lifestyle, location) that renting can offer – in fact, about 25% of our customers indicate they currently own an investment property but live elsewhere (rentvestors) or are currently saving to purchase a property they don’t intend to live in.
“In Australia, we’re starting to see increased momentum in the vocalisation of renters’ needs. This has undoubtedly been caused by factors like housing affordability issues, job mobility, lifestyle and investment preferences.
“In our own business, we’ve seen huge growth in the number of renters (more than half a million) who have gone to great lengths to stand out by creating a Renter Resume on rent.com.au, so there’s a real need there to ensure this important demographic is heard. Political parties ignore renters at their peril.”
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Who Aussie renters are voting for this election

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Warmer weather has seen vacancy rates steady across Sydney as renters seek accommodation in the heart of the city, according to research from the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.
REINSW President Leanne Pilkington said the September 2018 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey saw metropolitan Sydney vacancy rates down 0.2 percentage points at 2.8%.
“The change in season has seen renters return to the Inner Sydney market with vacancy rates falling 0.5% to 2.4%, a level last seen in May,” Pilkington said.
“Middle Sydney remained steady at 3.1% while Outer Sydney dropped 0.2% at 2.9%.”
In the Hunter, vacancy rates rose 0.1 percentage points to 1.9%, with Newcastle up 0.8 percentage points at 2.9%.
The Illawarra slipped 0.2 percentage points despite Wollongong being up 0.1 percentage points to 2.1%.
Across regional areas, New England remained steady at 2.2%, Northern Rivers rose 0.3 percentage points to 1.3% and Orana rose 0.2 percentage points to 2.0%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/22/vacancy%20rate%201%20.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/22/vacancy%20rate%201%20.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/22/vacancy%20rate%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/22/vacancy%20rate%202.jpg" alt="">
Source: REINSW
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Spring sees renters return to inner Sydney market: REINSW

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CHOICE, the National Association of Tenant Organisations and National Shelter are calling for governments to prioritise rental security and quality issues, not just housing affordability, as a national study reveals widespread fear and discrimination faced by thousands of Australians.
“Governments across Australia are rightly focused on the issue of housing affordability. Affordability is extremely important to renters.
But it can’t be addressed without also looking at the quality and security of housing.” said Adrian Pisarski, National Shelter’s Executive Officer.
“It’s hard to imagine a product or service this poor in any other sector. As consumers of rental properties, tenants have to deal with major quality issues like mould or flooding and are systematically denied access to a timely remedy,” said Alan Kirkland, CHOICE CEO.
“Worryingly, we found that renters with more experience in the market were less likely to complain when something goes wrong which illustrates the entrenched culture of fear among renters.
This is all the more of a concern when you consider the rising number of long-term renters across Australia,” said Ned Cutcher, National Association of Tenant Organisations spokesperson.
Key findings
- 83 percent of renters in Australia have no fixed-term lease or are on a lease less than 12 months long
- 62 percent of people say they feel like they can’t ask for changes
- 50 percent of renters report experiencing discrimination when applying for a rental property
- 50 percent of renters worried about being listed on a residential tenancy database
- 20 percent of renters have experienced leaking, flooding and issues with mould
- 8 percent of renters are living in a property in need of urgent repairs
“For Australians who don't own a home, renting should be a secure and affordable option free of fear and discrimination.
Unfortunately, the research reveals a significant power imbalance between tenants and landlords, leading to a culture of fear that means many renters stay silent when something goes wrong.
It’s deeply concerning that common features of everyday life like having children, receiving a government payment or owning a pet can be major barriers for renters trying to find a home,” according to Alan Kirkland.
“All too often, we hear that people are reluctant to complain to agents or landlords because they’re worried about rent increases or eviction.
This research shows that this fear is widespread with 50% of renters worried about being listed on a so-called bad tenant database.
When people do raise an issue with a property, landlords and agents can really drag their feet before they fix the problem with 21% of renters waiting over a week to get a response about an urgent repair request,” Ned Cutcher says.
“Tenants are often the last group to be asked about the housing challenges Australia faces.
This research has tenants talking about their experiences of the system in a way that’s not often considered in debates about housing.
Renters face constant insecurity, 83 percent are without a fixed-term lease or are on a lease less than 12 months long.
As more Australians enter the rental market, we need a national plan to boost supply, especially for low-income households, whilst also addressing security, rights and amenity,” Adrian Pisarski commented.
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50 percent of Aussie renters reporting discrimination by landlords

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The recent Domain report reveals residents in the Northern Territory have lived in more properties relative to other Australians with 81% living in five or more properties and 11% more than 20 properties.
The Northern Territory has the highest percentage of renters in the country.
Some 62% of Northern Territory residents indicated that they believed that owning their own home was no longer attainable. 
More than half (51% of NSW and VIC (52%) residents are also negative towards the attainability of property ownership. Domain senior economist, Dr Andrew Wilson says the high number of renters in the Northern Territory reflects low homeownership rates.  “High housing costs in the Northern Territory remain a significant barrier to home ownership resulting in the highest proportion of renters to total households of all Australian states.
"Darwin house prices are behind only Sydney of all the state capitals, and although Territory incomes are the amongst the country’s highest, local rents are clearly the highest providing another significant barrier to home ownership for those saving for a deposit.  “Predictably, Northern Territory has the highest proportion of those believing home ownership is no longer attainable. “That said, the number of recent new developments in the Northern Territory means we may see a shift in the future.
"Supply is slowly catching up to demand and we may see a gradual increase in the rate of homeownership,” Dr Wilson said.
The Domain Property Research Report, conducted by Nielsen, was an online survey of more than 4,600 Australians during July and August last year.
Percentage of renters per state:
*Northern Territory 43%
*Queensland 37%
*New South Wales 33%
*Victoria 28%
*Australian Capital Territory 33%
*Western Australia 27%
*South Australia 27%
*Tasmania 20%
Source (Domain Property Research Report)
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