News

The 2023 Commonwealth Budget includes a number of items targeted at improving rental affordability for lower income renters; supporting lower income home buyers; increasing supply of social and affordable rental housing; and for people experiencing homelessness.

While new laws came into effect this week requiring all new housing to have a 7-star energy efficiency rating, our nation’s ageing social housing stock remains among the least energy efficient of all homes in Australia, contributing to significant carbon emissions. Many social housing providers have retrofitting projects that aim to improve energy efficiency and physical and mental health outcomes for the occupants of these homes, however new AHURI research reveals a disconnect between the focus of these projects and the upgrades residents would prefer.

The lack of planning instruments focussed at the neighbourhood scale in Australian cities means missed opportunities to improve local communities, environments and energy systems, new AHURI research reveals.

AHURI is pleased to announce the two AHURI Inquiries and research projects funded in the 2023 National Housing Research Program (NHRP). The Inquiries are supported by coordinated research projects, bringing to 14 the total number of research projects being funded. A further 2 projects are currently being refined, and are expected to be funded shortly.

Spending on ‘smashed avocado’ brunches and other frivolous items is definitely not a lifestyle option for young people saving for their first home, no matter what their income level, new AHURI research confirms. And family support has become key for many young adults to achieve their home ownership dreams.