The Conversation
Three reasons the government promotes home ownership for older Australians
Government strategies to manage population ageing largely assume that older Australians are home owners. There is often an implied association between home ownership and ageing well: that is, older Australians who own homes are seen as having made the right choices and as being less of a budget burden.
The problem with this approach is that not everyone is or can be a home owner.
2017
Themes:
What do single, older women want? Their ‘own little space’ (and garden) to call home, for a start
The “great Australian dream” of owning your own home is rapidly proving to be an illusion for many in the early 21st century.
In an environment of exceedingly high house prices, groups who don’t have secure, long-term employment are at risk of homelessness, particularly as they age.
2017
Themes:
Why older Australians don’t downsize and the limits to what the government can do about it
Encouraging senior Australians to downsize their homes is one of the more popular ideas to make housing more affordable. The trouble is, incentives for downsizing would hit the budget, but make little difference to housing affordability. This article looks at government incentives that could release housing stock without financially penalising older home owners.
2017
Themes:
Suitable, affordable housing is key to our population ageing well
If Australian seniors are to remain healthy and work longer, the importance of appropriate housing cannot be underestimated. Much attention is being paid to the rising cost of health care for an ageing population.
2015
Affordable housing is a problem for older Australians, too
Seniors are often overlooked in discussions of housing affordability. This may be because there is a perception that they have bought, and paid off, their homes. However, housing availability and affordability present significant difficulties for many older people.
Contrary to popular belief, many older people are not home owners or choose (or can afford) to live in retirement villages.
2013
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