Action needed to end Perth's rental stress

The Committee for Perth is calling for an urgent increase in the supply of affordable rental housing in inner and middle suburban areas to help the growing number of households who can’t afford to buy a home or qualify for the State Government’s home ownerships schemes.

“Perth’s reputation as an expensive place to live is quickly growing, nationally and internationally and not only when it comes to buying a home but also renting one,” said Committee for Perth CEO Marion Fulker.

“The median rental price is $490 a week, which is the same as Sydney but more expensive than Melbourne. Only ten years ago it used to be under $200. The supply of affordable rental properties simply hasn’t kept up with demand which has seen rental costs greatly outstripping wages growth.”

Mrs Fulker said approximately a quarter of all renters in Perth are suffering rental stress, where low income households are spending more than 30% of their income on housing. When households are struggling to make ends meet, something has to give and quite often that can be necessities like food, electricity and transport.