Australia Faces Shift to 'Lifetime Renters' Amid Housing Crisis

Rising house prices and unaffordable rents are pushing many Australians into long-term renting, challenging traditional homeownership aspirations.

A new report by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute highlights a growing trend of Australians expecting to rent for life due to unaffordable housing prices.
Despite 80% of renters expressing a desire to own homes, 60% doubt they will ever afford to buy, with financial barriers being the primary reason.
The rental market is increasingly seen as a permanent housing solution rather than a transitional phase, prompting calls for better tenant protections and housing quality improvements.
Many renters are willing to pay more for housing that meets higher standards, includes rent increase caps, and offers indefinite lease extensions.
Experts suggest policy shifts, including more build-to-rent developments and stricter rent regulations, to address the challenges faced by long-term renters.