Australia’s housing squeeze is hitting from every angle
Building approvals are improving on paper, but volatile apartment supply, soaring rents and rising costs are pushing buyers into riskier decisions and leaving even mortgage-free retirees under financial strain.
Construction activity has lifted, but new supply remains well short of demand. (Image source: Holli/Shutterstock.com)
Australia’s housing market is sending increasingly mixed signals.
Building approvals lifted through 2025, buyer confidence is returning, and dwelling values continue to rise. Yet beneath those headline numbers, the pressure points are multiplying.
Renters are spending a record share of their income just to stay housed. Buyers are taking on extraordinary risk in the heat of competition. And even many older Australians who already own their homes…
