This report aims to examine the effects of divorce, separation or bereavement on the housing and related financial circumstances of people aged 50 or over in different housing tenures, and in particular those on income support payments.

his positioning paper explores the implications of loss of a partner for private renters aged 50 years and over. It focuses on renters rather than owners as the housing circumstances of renters are considered more susceptible to financial stress and uncertainty.

The recent house price cycle has highlighted concerns about housing affordability. But is the recent deterioration in housing affordability a short-term problem, or is it a continuation of long-term trends?

This report shows that although each state and territory rental support program has similar aims, their operation varies considerably.