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New record-low vacancy rate means NSW Government must urgently act to alleviate pressure for renters

Media release

04 November 2022

The peak body for community housing in NSW, Community Housing Industry Association NSW (CHIA NSW) is calling on the NSW Government to urgently invest in community housing to address the record-low rental vacancy rate in Sydney.

“This is the toughest rental market people in NSW have ever faced, with the data released today showing another new record-low vacancy rate in Sydney,” said Mark Degotardi, CEO of CHIA NSW.

“The housing crisis is worsening, with the situation for renters growing more dire every month. This is a rental housing emergency, and it demands an urgent response from the NSW Government,” he said.

The data released by Domain for October shows that vacancy rates in Sydney fell to a new record low of 1 per cent, with Domain warning the market will continue to worsen.

“Decades of chronic under-investment in social and affordable rental housing by successive governments is one of the key causes of the current housing crisis,” said Mr Degotardi.

“There are at least 50,000 individuals and families on the social housing waitlist. Many more are desperately looking for affordable rental housing. The number of ordinary Australians who can’t keep a safe and secure roof over their head will only rise in this broken housing market,” said Mr Degotardi.

Mr Degotardi said ahead of next year’s election, politicians from across the political spectrum must commit to increasing the supply of social housing – including community housing – a form of housing managed by not-for-profit providers.

“By investing in community housing, creating a planning system that supports affordable rental housing and facilitating strategic partnerships to leverage Government investment, we can turn this crisis around,” he said.

“The NSW Government cannot be a bystander to this emergency. They must confront the crisis and take responsibility,” said Mr Degotardi.

RELEASE ENDS

Media contact: Tanya Evans, 0424 156 146