I still say it's a population crisis and government stupidity crisis, not a housing crisis. The level of immigration absurd.

As far as the cost of housing goes, Australians have to get used to the idea they will be renters not owners. Australia is already 43rd. on the world list of home-ownership, which might be a surprise to some who have had the 'Great Australian Dream' brainwashing for so long.

The last grand gesture (which is all it will turn out to be) by a Socialist government to provide housing, as the Albanese government is kidding us with, was in New Zealand. It was a monumental flop. Albanese has stated that he wants to imitate New Zealand style Socialism, and he looks like doing just that - not just in race-based ideology.

Agree.
Alan B.

We need to build more new houses, so Negative gearing should apply to new never lived in housing only and expire in ten years or so.

Rapid rail and a resumed corridor could be rezoned as urban, once the service comes online, then resold to intending owners/first home buyers.

We need fewer landlords and more homeowners. Rezoning should be taken from councils and become a matter for state government planners.

And capital gains tax should be much higher for investor drones who just land bank and don't develop, build houses or apartments etc.

Once supply outstrips demand, the price of houses can come down to where all intending homeowners can afford to buy a 3 bed on a quarter acre block.

Migration needs to be limited to GENUINE SKILLS SHORTAGE ONLY, and not used as a sly instrument to import cheap labour!
Alan B.

A national bedroom tax on unused or under-utilised bedrooms will go along way to encourage a more economic use of the existing housing stock.

It could work in a similar manner to the progressively increasing taxes on tobacco.

Eventually the burden of the tax will force occupants of under-utilised properties to relocate, making way for family accommodation.

Revised Local Government regulations (NSW), is restricting short term rentals towards offering longer lease periods outside of restricted periods of short term rental allowances.

These restrictions are designed to make available under-utilised housing stock for emergency accommodation.
Caravan and tourist parks are being put under the same pressure between peak tourist periods.

There is movement at the station on lower level Government, but these efforts are wasted with current immigration levels.

Far too many Migrants coming in for a start.

It needs to drop dramatically for at least 5 years and then, after that, only moderate increases of people who will actually benefit Australia.

Secondly, Short Term Rental Accommodation ( Air BnB, etc.) is a DEFINITE problem.

Byron Bay has 30% of its housing stock now as STRAs.

Not a problem?

I think Airbnb's tend to be well appointed at premium locations so the long term rent would have been high anyway. I helped clean up an upstairs flat at Sandy Bay Tas where the absconding tenants had left rotting food in the disconnected fridge plus a ute load of other rubbish. That spot was within walking distance of the uni, the casino and the beach.

If students are the main driver of accommodation demand there's little point building for them 70km out in the fringe burbs. That comes later when 40% or whatever get permanent residence. One solution is that unis create affordable accommodation before advertising places for study. That is if there are 200 places in say Journalism popular with foreign students, the uni must have fixed price accommodation for 200 or cut back the enrolment.