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Older female renters are the 'canary in the coal mine' for housing affordability
There are a growing number of Australians facing rental stress in their retirement. Home ownership rates are falling and mortgage debts are rising for many older Australians. Also, the number of private renters in the 54-64 age group is projected to increase by over 50 per cent to 567,000 in 2031.
And it's getting harder for older renters to find adequate and secure housing.
2019
Themes:
Rental Affordability Snapshot
The Rental Affordability Snapshot highlights the lived experience of looking for housing on a low income. It focuses on those who earn the least– people on government income payments and people earning the minimum wage.
2019
Themes:
Living on the Street: Only Option for Some of Cuba’s Elderly
The number of homeless people is growing in Havana, as well as in the rest of the country. This article looks at the reasons behind the increase in older people facing homelessness.
2019
Older women the new face of homelessness
Older women have emerged as one of the most vulnerable groups in relation to housing insecurity and homelessness in Australia in recent years. They are not a group that is historically associated with homelessness and indeed, many older women have never been homeless before.
2019
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Older renter numbers predicted to climb
The high rate of home ownership in New Zealand is falling, with only around 50% currently owning their own home. This is predicted to decrease further.
The article looks at the impact this will have on rental issues faced by an ageing population in particular.
2019
Homelessness grows for older women aged 55+
The Women’s Electoral Lobby has called on Commonwealth and State governments to respond Australia’s homelessness crisis for women, who are often invisible and amongst the poorest and most vulnerable of those experiencing homelessness. Older women aged 55 and over are the fastest growing cohort of homeless people, with numbers increasing by 31% between 2011 and 2016.
2019
Themes:
Barriers to Aging in Community
A“livable community” is one that has affordable and appropriate housing, supportive community features and services, and adequate mobility options, which together facilitate personal independence and the engagement of residents in civic and social life.
2019
Learning from past mistakes: lessons from the National Rental Affordability Scheme
All Australians are spending more of their incomes on housing than in the past, but low-income households are feeling the pinch most.
Many low-income renters are in poverty, and many more are suffering financial stress. Inequality is increasing because rising housing costs have disproportionately whittled away the income growth of poorer households.
2019
The Next Gen of Renters: Mom and Dad
This article presents findings from a US in-depth research study on renter demographics and found that, as the 60+ cohort grew bigger and faster, it also helped push the national median age from 36.7 in 2007 to 38.1 in 2017—the highest it’s ever been.
2019
Themes:
Housing in an ageing Australia: Nest and nest egg?
This brief is in three parts. Part one tackles the dynamics of the housing purchase in working life, describing the patterns of housing tenure across generations, demographic and market dynamics, the likely future effects of demography on housing demand, and the policies that can affect home purchase outcomes, particularly taxes.
2019


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