Media release

13 October 2022

The peak body for community housing in NSW, Community Housing Industry Association NSW (CHIA NSW), says that data showing record-high rents and record-low vacancy rates in Sydney highlight the desperate need for urgent investment in community housing from the NSW Government.

“Families in NSW are facing a housing crisis, and the data released today showing record high-rents and record-low vacancy rates in Sydney show that it’s getting worse,” said Mark Degotardi, CEO of CHIA NSW.

The data released today by Domain shows that rents for houses have increased this quarter by $30 per week and for units by $25 per week. Vacancy rates have also fallen to 1.1 per cent.  

“There are 50,000 individuals and families on the social housing waitlist. There are many more desperately looking for affordable rental housing. This number is only going to increase as rents rise and vacancy rates continue to plummet,” said Mr Degotardi.

“There is a rental housing emergency. It needs an urgent response and families across NSW are wondering when the NSW Government will confront this crisis.”

Mr Degotardi said that urgent investment in community housing – a form of social housing built and managed by not-for-profit providers, was critical for addressing the growing crisis.

“There aren’t enough affordable homes available to rent, and the demand for social housing is way beyond what is available. We need a strategy and investment from the State Government,” Mr Degotardi said.

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

“The problem is huge but we can begin to make a difference. 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 crisis. They need to step up and take responsibility ensuring its citizens have a place to call home,” said Mr Degotardi.

RELEASE ENDS

Media contact: Kayla Foster, 0447 040 029