Australia

What do single, older women want? Their ‘own little space’ (and garden) to call home, for a start

The “great Australian dream” of owning your own home is rapidly proving to be an illusion for many in the early 21st century. In an environment of exceedingly high house prices, groups who don’t have secure, long-term employment are at risk of homelessness, particularly as they age.
2017

Housing equity withdrawal: Perceptions of obstacles among older Australian home owners and associated service providers

Housing wealth dominates the asset portfolios of the older population in Australia and many other countries. Given the anticipated spike in fiscal costs associated with population ageing, there is growing policy interest in housing equity withdrawal (HEW) to finance living needs in retirement.
2017
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The downsizing cost traps awaiting Australian retirees – here are five reasons to be wary

This article debunks the myth of zero housing costs in retirement. The concept of zero housing costs in retirement is based on a 1940s view of a well-maintained, single dwelling on a single allotment of land where the mortgage has been paid off.
2017

Defining 'At Risk of Homelessness': Re-connecting Causes, Mechanisms and Risk

Abstract A key focus of homelessness policy across the Anglophone world is to prevent homelessness by targeting interventions to those considered “at-risk”, yet the term “at-risk of homelessness” remains ambiguous. A solid definition is required. Typically, risk is defined using those factors that are over-represented in the population of interest.
2017

Partnering for impact to reduce homelessness in Queensland

'Partnering for Impact' details the broad directions and initial actions to generate innovation and revitalisation in the Queensland Government's response to homelessness. The first step will implement 5-year service agreements for existing services.
2017

Two pictures of rental housing stress and vulnerability zero in on areas of need

The article discusses Australia's Rental Affordability Index and the Rental Vulnerability Index. Definition of each term and policy use of the data using Queensland as an example.
2017

Literature Review: Older women and housing in the ACT

Single older women comprise a rapidly growing cohort facing housing insecurity and the risk of homelessness.
2017

"The older I get the scarier it becomes": Older people at risk of homelessness in New South Wales

The older I get the scarier it becomes report shows that there has been a 50% increase in the number of older people at risk of homelessness in NSW in the last five years.
2017

For renters, making housing more affordable is just the start

For renting to become a truly viable, long-term alternative to home ownership, greater rental affordability and security are needed. Longer-term structural changes to tackle housing affordability, including boosting the supply of social housing and increasing tenure diversity, will be essential.
2017

Cohousing for Seniors

Housing the ageing population of NSW in homes that are affordable, accessible and stable presents a major challenge for the state, particularly in a time of rising housing costs. New models are needed to address social isolation, tenure insecurity, care costs and seniors’ aspirations to age in place. Cohousing may be one such model.
2017
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