The housing crisis in Australia has reached a critical juncture, marked by a growing divide between the demand for affordable and suitable housing and the available supply. Amidst increasing cost-of-living pressures, it’s a timely moment for policymakers to gain a deeper understanding of Australian sentiments towards housing.

This polling research delves into public sentiment, housing priorities, trade-offs, the realities of renting, and the willingness of Australians to embrace change in their local communities.

Furthermore, this research explores attitudes regarding planning and development, encompassing a wide range of policy responses at all government levels in Australia.

These findings offer crucial insights into the Australian housing landscape and contribute to an evidence base that policy-makers can draw upon when addressing the ongoing housing crisis.

Key findings

• More than three quarters of Australians (77%) are satisfied with their current home, although this drops to 61% among the 31% of Australian adults who are currently renters.
• In contrast to older generations, younger generations – particularly Gen Z, but also Millennials are open to flats or apartments (3, 8 and 9+ stories) being built in their local areas.
• Three quarters of non-homeowners (76%) would like to own their own home, most within the next five years (49%). Only 45%, however, believe it will be likely that they will in fact to do.
• Only 50% of Australians with a mortgage and not yet retired expect to have their mortgage paid off by the time they retire. Only 21% of current renters who hope to become homeowners expect to have their mortgage paid off.