Housing cost rise of $20 a week would force Australians to cut essentials

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 06:01 · Archive

A survey finds 76 per cent of Australians would cut food or medicine if housing costs rose by $20 weekly.

A survey of 1,150 Australians by housing advocacy group Everybody's Home has found that a $20 weekly increase in rent or mortgage payments would force 76 per cent of people to cut back on essentials. The survey, conducted between July and September, asked renters, homeowners, and people experiencing homelessness or living in temporary housing about their circumstances.

The results showed that 14 per cent of respondents could not afford to spend an extra $20 a week on housing, whilst 27 per cent said they would spend less on food, medication or bills to accommodate such an increase. Everybody's Home spokesperson Maiy Azize said housing stress was affecting major life decisions, with people postponing retirement, study, new jobs, marriage and family changes. She noted that families were financially supporting each other across generations and children were missing school excursions and healthcare.

Looking ahead, if housing costs continue to rise over the coming year, 27 per cent of people surveyed worry they will have to move home, 26 per cent say they will be unable to afford to save money or retire, and 23 per cent fear they could become homeless.

How it is being reported

• 20 housing cost rise would force 76 per cent of Australians to cut essentials, survey findsJust $20 more a week in housing costs would push the majority of Australians into cutting back on food and medicine – pushing at-risk households to the brink.The West Australian · 19 Oct, 05:29
• 20 housing cost rise would force 76 per cent of Australians to cut essentials, survey findsJust $20 more a week in housing costs would push the majority of Australians into cutting back on food and medicine – pushing at-risk households to the brink.Perth Now · 19 Oct, 05:29

In this story: Everybody's Home · Maiy Azize · Australia

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