Shocking rental crisis data sparks new property sector response

The fear of losing one’s home is a growing reality for many Australians, with one in ten admitting they are just one setback away from housing insecurity.

Reports reveal a devastating housing crisis, with unaffordability and hidden homelessness affecting tens of thousands.

While street homelessness is visible, it accounts for only six per cent of the homeless population. The majority – 94 per cent – are hidden, sleeping in cars, couch surfing, or relying on precarious shelters.

Anglicare Australia’s 2025 Rental Affordability Snapshot – taken at the start of the year –highlights the severity of the issue.

Out of 51,000 rental listings surveyed, only three properties were affordable for those on JobSeeker, while just 0.3 per cent were accessible to Age Pension recipients.

For full-time minimum wage earners, only 0.7 per cent of rentals were affordable, and for those on the Disability Support Pension, the figure drops to 0.1 per cent.

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The number of people finding themselves homeless is on the rise.

In response, the property sector has launched A Home for All Foundation, aiming to raise funds and drive change for those without secure housing.

Christine Mikhael, the newly elected Advisory Committee Chair for A Home for All Foundation and CEO of LJ Hooker Group, underscores the industry’s profound responsibility. “The property industry is uniquely positioned to address the issue of homelessness and housing insecurity,” Ms Mikhael stated.

“Every day we help our clients buy, sell and rent homes and we have a responsibility to help Australians establish a home. Our work is closely linked to the heart of the issue and A Home for All Foundation is an opportunity to support those who really need it.”

The Foundation, backed by Australia’s leading digital property business REA Group, ensures that every dollar raised will go directly to homelessness and housing insecurity charitable organisations, with no funds diverted to administrative costs.

The human cost of this crisis is immense

Homelessness has surged by more than 30 per cent in the last two decades.

Disturbingly, women and children now represent one of the fastest-growing cohorts experiencing homelessness, with 45 per cent of women and girls identifying family and domestic violence as the root cause.

This particular form of homelessness has more than doubled between 2021 and 2024.

Ms Mikhael points to the broader housing affordability crisis as a significant contributor. “There are so many people now that can’t afford to rent or pay their mortgage,” she explained.

“There’s also not enough social housing for a family to stay together. On average, there’s a 10-year waiting period for social housing.”

Beyond the immediate need for social housing, Ms Mikhael stresses the critical shortage of affordable housing as rental costs continue to skyrocket.

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Christine Mikhael, the newly elected Advisory Committee Chair for A Home for All Foundation and CEO of LJ Hooker Group

She urges a long-term, strategic approach, looking 20 to 30 years ahead at population growth and housing supply.

“It’s a complex situation, but if we just took five minutes to go ‘okay, supply, demand,’ let’s start there and look at the number of empty bedrooms,” Ms Mikhael suggested.

She raised the possibility of tax reform to incentivise shared accommodation, allowing homeowners to rent out spare rooms with a tax break, potentially unlocking much-needed housing supply.

The Foundation’s inaugural initiative, “A Night Without Home,” invites the property industry and the wider public to participate this October.

Supported by powerful imagery designed to highlight the hidden nature of homelessness, the national fundraising campaign encourages individuals or teams to experience a glimpse of what it’s like to face homelessness.

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Women and children are among the biggest risk groups.

Participation can range from a single donation to spending a night without the comforts of home and fundraising for the cause, or committing to year-round support.

While the situation is complex, Ms Mikhael remains optimistic.

“We’re still at a point where there’s still time to solve it, but if it keeps growing in that trajectory, it’s going to be a lot harder in 10 years’ time.”

The property industry, which understands the fundamental human need for a home better than most, is now stepping up to ensure that more Australians have that basic security.

To sign up for A Night Without Home and to support A Home for All Foundation, visit: ahomeforall.com.au

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