Victoria
Rise in renting families exposes more children to housing insecurity
A new research paper shows a significant rise in the number of Australian children growing up in rental properties.
A sharp rise in the number of Australian families renting is exposing more children to housing insecurity, according to reporting on a new research paper. The study highlights a growing trend of long-term renting among families with children, marking a significant shift away from the traditional path of home ownership.
The research reveals there has been a 20 per cent jump in the proportion of Australian children growing up in rental households this century. This shift means a substantial portion of the younger generation is experiencing childhood in private tenancies rather than secure, owner-occupied homes.
Frequent relocation remains a primary challenge for these households. According to the findings, children growing up in rental properties face an average of six moves by the time they reach 14 years of age. Such high mobility can disrupt a child's education, healthcare continuity, and social networks during their formative years.
The research paper links these frequent moves to broader housing insecurity, indicating that renting families are increasingly vulnerable to market pressures. While the study outlines these national trends, specific data on how Victorian families are affected compared to other states remains to be fully detailed.
With home ownership becoming increasingly unaffordable for many young families, renting is transitioning from a temporary stepping stone to a permanent living arrangement. Advocates argue that current rental frameworks are not designed for long-term family living, pointing to the lack of security inherent in short-term leases.
We will watch to see how federal and state housing ministers respond to these findings in future policy debates regarding tenant rights.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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