Australia’s Housing Crisis: Why 7 in 10 Say It’s Worse Than Ever

This Christmas, many Australians won’t just be decorating their homes—they’ll be struggling to keep them.

New research commissioned by Master Builders Australia, reveals the staggering depth of Australia’s worsening housing crisis.

Among 1,600 voters surveyed, 90% believe it’s difficult to afford to buy or rent property, while 85% agree there is a shortage of housing.

This crisis isn’t just affecting affordability; it’s tearing at the fabric of daily life.

Seven in 10 Australians say the housing crisis has worsened over the past year, with the same number reporting that it’s damaging their community’s quality of life.

Here are the sobering insights:

• Two-thirds of Australians say the cost of living is their most pressing issue—up sharply from 45% in mid-2023.
• Housing has jumped to the forefront for one in four voters, a significant rise from just 8% last year.
• More than one-third of Australians have gone without essentials like food, medicine, or education to pay their rent or mortgage.
• 68% of renters fear they won’t achieve home ownership within the next five years.
• 39% have struggled to pay their rent or mortgage in the last year.
• 90% say it’s difficult to afford to buy or rent property in Australia.
• 70% believe the Albanese Government hasn’t done enough to address housing issues, with 65% saying the Federal Government is responsible for solving this crisis.
• 85% agree there is a shortage of housing in Australia.
• 7 in 10 say the housing crisis is damaging the quality of life in their community.
• 7 in 10 say the housing crisis has gotten worse over the last 12 months.

Australians are not just highlighting the problem—they’re crying out for action.

The research shows strong public support for practical solutions like increasing skilled migration, simplifying workplace laws, speeding up planning approvals, and building more critical infrastructure.

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn summed it up:

“The building and construction industry is ready to get on with the job after a difficult few years, but we can’t deliver unless governments do their bit to ease cost pressures and reverse declining productivity.”

As we approach the next federal election, housing affordability and supply will be at the forefront of voters’ minds.

Australians are calling for more than promises—they’re demanding tangible solutions to secure the homes and future they desperately need.

The big question is: will policymakers rise to the challenge, or will Australians continue to bear the brunt of inaction?

About Adam Hubbard Adam Hubbard is a senior Wealth Strategist at Metropole and his many years of real estate and wealth creation experience gives him a holistic perspective with which he helps his clients safely grow their wealth through property.