Solo renters in Australia struggle to find affordable housing

Many people in Australia are struggling to find affordable housing. New data shows that single tenants who rely on government help face a tough time. The cost of renting is increasing, but there have been no increases in rent support or JobSeeker payments this year. The federal government raised the maximum rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance in prior budgets, but many argue it’s still not enough. Brendan Coates from the Grattan Institute says many Australians are struggling as rent continues to rise. For instance, rents in Australian cities have gone up by 25% from mid-2022 to late 2024. Currently, the JobSeeker payment for a single person is $781.10 every two weeks, with additional help available for rent. However, to qualify for the highest rent assistance, renters must pay at least $432.27 in rent every two weeks. Only one town in Australia, Cobar, has a typical rental price that allows tenants to receive maximum rent assistance. In Sydney, the average cost to rent a unit is now about $775 a week, while Melbourne's is $580. A cheap one-bedroom unit in a big city costs approximately $350 weekly. The options for single renters, especially in Sydney, are very limited, with many properties being shared accommodations or boarding houses. Experts stress the need for increased support payments to help low-income renters. Many people are spending up to 80% of their income on rent and often go without food to afford it. Kasy Chambers from Anglicare Australia highlights how hard it is for families struggling to make ends meet. As the population grows, rental costs may keep rising, making it even harder for people to find affordable homes. Housing advocates urge the government to reassess the way support payments are set up to better serve those in need.