This report examines how rental prices have changed over the past decade. It shows that rents have soared in every Australian capital city. The findings show that Australia’s social housing system has failed to keep pace with demand. Rent increases are a national problem affecting people from all walks of life.

This report aims to inform the ongoing discussion of rental housing policy with new evidence about the experience of renting in the Australian private rental sector. The report notes that rents have surged by 47% in the past five years and calls for nationwide rental increase limits.

This analysis of nearly 40,000 applications finalised in 2024 provides a unique view into how tenancy matters progress through the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). The report reveals patterns in dispute resolution, party roles, hearing outcomes and procedural timelines. It provides detailed insights into how tenancy disputes are initiated, managed and resolved.

Demand for social housing is outstripping supply. In addition to highlighting the urgency for more social housing, this research suggests governments could re-imagine the social housing system and transform social housing assistance. The research looked at how to change Australia's system into one that supports 'housing pathways'; how households move between different tenancies and tenures.

Australians on the lowest incomes are struggling to pay the rent in electorates across the country. This snapshot surveyed 51,238 rental listings across Australia. The report argues that choices made by governments over the last 40 years have entrenched inequality in Australia’s private rental market.