As if being a single mum isn’t tough enough, life throws in the COVID-19 pandemic that led to rising inflation and a housing crisis. I’m lucky to own a home, but I see friends in this housing market struggling to make ends meet, whether they’re renting or managing a mortgage. It’s been nothing short of a rollercoaster for them, with each week bringing fresh challenges.
If you’re one of the mums struggling with housing affordability, I genuinely hope there's a silver lining in sight. Meanwhile, let’s unpack the housing problems right now so you can get a sense of the forces at play.
Further reading: How can a single parent buy a home?
Understanding the Australian Housing Crisis 2024: What’s Going On?
Housing is a basic human right. A housing crisis occurs when house prices soar so high that there are fewer dwellings for many people. Right now in Australia, we’re seeing record-high prices in the rental market, with the renters having to pay an average weekly rent of $627! Every day, the dream of home ownership slips a little further out of reach for many of us. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows new housing costs have surged by about 30 per cent from 2021 to 2023. And in zones like Sydney or Melbourne, that number probably feels even steeper.
GIVIT, a national non-profit, has highlighted some challenges facing single mums due to Australia’s housing crisis:
- Long-Term Stays in Crisis Accommodation: Many families, particularly single mums, find themselves stuck in shelters that were meant for short stays.
- Surge in Essential Item Requests: With longer stays in temporary housing, there’s been a 40 per cent increase in requests for basic items like grocery vouchers, school supplies, and toiletries.
- Support for Domestic Violence Survivors: For mums and kids escaping violence, finding essentials can be tough when arriving in shelters with just the basics.
- Impact on Children’s Wellbeing: The instability of shelter life often impacts children’s mental health and school life.
What are the Causes of the Housing Crisis in Australia?
What’s causing all this? Well, it’s a mishmash of things: a shortage in supply of affordable housing, increased demand, and low interest rates for a time that spurred investors to buy up properties, driving prices even higher. In addition, there's negative gearing and Capital Gains Tax discounts, leading landlords to hike the cost for renters. The bottom line? More Aussies, especially single parents, are struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
It’s easy to feel deflated by all of this (plus that Albanese fiasco), but don’t lose hope. Yes, we’re calling for more action from the Australian government. In the meantime, there are ways to make things work. Together, we’ll get through this.
What the Australian Government is Doing
Speaking of government action, the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) is looking into what’s holding up housing development. They call it “construction constraints,” which means delays in building because of things like supply chain problems and regulations that slow things down. The goal? To increase the number of homes available faster and, hopefully, more affordable.
Australia would also explore something called “circular economy housing.” Te government will build eco-friendly and low-cost homes over time. Imagine homes being built with materials you can recycle or reuse instead of just throwing out. This would be better for the environment and might help with costs too.
Housing Minister Julie Collins is on board with the delivery of new social and affordable homes. She’s pushing for more partnerships between the government and private companies to make new affordable housing sooner. It’s a small ray of hope that single mums might have more affordable, stable options in the future. It may take time, but at least people are finally working on it.
We're hoping for more government action, like to fast-track of the Housing Australia Future Fund, to increase the supply of public housing, and government intervention in prices and rents. So, we welcome this initiative to build enough new social housing to increase the total stock. This will benefit many Australians in low- and moderate-income families.
Assessing Your Situation: Knowing Your Housing Needs and Budget
Let’s get practical, mum-to-mum. Start with the basics: What do you need in a home? Are you looking to stay close to your child’s school, near family support, or close to public transport if you don’t have a car? Jot these essentials down ... they’ll help you stay focused when affordable housing feels like a needle-in-a-haystack mission.
Next up, money. I know, not the most exciting topic to discuss, but a necessary one. For single-income households, it’s crucial to set a realistic budget. Aim to keep housing costs (rent or mortgage) at about 30 per cent of your income. It might sound ambitious in this economy, but it’s a good target. If you’re already paying above that, there are still some creative ways to make things work.
And if you’re really in a bind, consider reaching out to GIVIT. They help families access essential items and can sometimes assist with urgent needs that make your housing search a little less stressful. Every bit of support counts, especially if it means keeping your household afloat while you’re working toward something more stable.
Where to Find Support Amidst the Housing Stress: Housing Programs and Resources in Australia
Fortunately, the government has a few programs designed for single parents and low-income earners amidst the shortage in housing supply:
- Commonwealth Rent Assistance: This payment helps with rent if you’re on certain income support payments or receiving the Family Tax Benefit. It’s not huge, but every bit helps if you need to save for a deposit.
- First Home Owner Grant (FHOG): If you’re considering buying, check out this one-off grant for first-home buyers. It varies by state, but it’s worth exploring.
- National Housing and Homelessness Agreement (NHHA): This isn’t a direct benefit but means extra state-level support is available for accessing affordable homes.
States and territories have their own programs, so take a moment to check your state government’s website or reach out to your local council. And if this feels overwhelming, ask for help. Community organisations and nonprofits, like GIVIT, can offer housing support services and guidance on applying for these programs.
Practical Strategies for Finding Affordable Housing
Here are some ideas if you’re looking in the private rental market:
- Negotiate with Landlords: Yes, the market’s tight, but it doesn’t hurt to ask for a small rent reduction if you’re in a stable situation and plan to stay long-term. Many landlords appreciate having reliable tenants and might be open to discussion.
- Look in Nearby Suburbs: If your ideal suburb is out of reach, try areas nearby. Often, you’ll find similar amenities like schools, parks, and public transport in more affordable spots.
- Consider House Sharing: Not everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you have young kids, but some single mums have teamed up to rent larger homes together. It’s a way to create a supportive little community, share expenses, and lighten the load.
GIVIT can also help here if you’re in a tight spot and need essentials to settle into a new place. They support families by providing items you might need to get set up, which can free up your budget for other things.
Looking Into Temporary Housing Options and Emergency Support
If you’re in need of immediate housing support, there are options available:
- Crisis Accommodation: Organisations like the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul offer emergency shelters for those in urgent need.
- Social Housing: If you and your kids have very low household incomes and have needed homelessness services, you may want to check out the government's affordable housing options, either through public housing or community housing.
The waitlists can be long for social housing stock, but it’s worth applying if you’re struggling long-term. Public housing supports thousands of families across Australia every year.
If you’re facing an emergency, remember that you’re not alone. Reach out to local councils, community centres, or nonprofits. They often have links to resources and can help you explore your options.
Building a Support Network
One of the best ways to navigate the challenge to afford housing is by building a support network. We all need a village, especially during hard times. Seek out single-parent groups on Facebook, join local support groups, or connect with the Beanstalk Mums community. It’s incredible what we can achieve when we come together!
If you’re ever in doubt, reach out to other Australians in similar situations. Just knowing someone else understands what you’re going through can be a huge comfort.
Final Thoughts: Facing the Housing Crisis as a Single Mum
With rising rents, inflated property prices, and the relentless pressure to keep up with costs, finding stable and affordable housing can feel like an impossible task.
Remember, be gentle with yourself. Lean on your community, use resources, and know that every step you take to provide for your family is an act of resilience. Whether you’re securing long-term housing, adjusting to temporary solutions, or finding a connection with support groups, every effort you make matters.
Together, as a community of single mums, we can keep sharing tips, resources, and ... most importantly, hope. The housing market may be unpredictable, but our ability to uplift each other remains steady. Stay strong, keep going, and know that brighter days are ahead.
