As housing affordability and supply moves to the centre of our national debate, Part 1 of this report begins by recapping long-standing problems that contribute to housing unaffordability. These include high property prices, difficulties saving a deposit to purchase a property, insecure work, low wages growth, inequitable and distortionary taxes applying to housing as an investment (capital gains and negative gearing), higher interest rates and cost of living pressures.

It then identifies barriers to investment and how to harness the investment power of superannuation funds for the goals of housing affordability and supply (Part 2) and maps current social housing investments by super funds and other institutional investors (Part 3). Those investments include a mix of Build-toRent, Build-to-Rent-to-Own, Public/Private Partnerships, NHFIC Debt Guarantee and Bond Schemes, and other emerging models. In doing so, the report specifically examines how continued affordable housing shortages will impact younger people, women, Indigenous peoples, and those living in regional Australia.

The report concludes with recommendations (Part 4) that call for a holistic six-part national action plan. It details steps to improve national housing affordability and supply. It identifies tax and other regulatory barriers that prevent super funds and other institutional investors from investing in social or affordable housing assets.