Renters in Brisbane are paying, on average, more than $23 per week extra this Christmas than last year, slightly above the national average.
New analysis from housing advocacy group Everybody’s Home shows people renting units and houses in Australia’s capital cities were thousands of dollars worse off than at Christmas 2023.
Everybody’s Home spokesperson and Deputy CEO of Anglicare Australia Maiy Azize said annual rents were up to $3600 higher than a year ago in some capitals.
Ms Azize said across all capitals renters were paying $20.86 a week ($1085 a year) more to rent a unit and $30.64 a week ($1593 a year) to rent a house.
She said Brisbane unit renters were $23 per week (1196 per year) worse off and house renters $24.63 ($1281 a year) in the red.
“This Christmas, too many families will be forced to choose between paying their rent and putting food on the table or presents under the tree.
“More people are being pushed into severe housing stress and homelessness, and sacrificing the basics like cooling on hot summer days just to make the rent.”
Ms Azize said unit renters in Adelaide were the most impacted, with their rents jumping $69.89 a week, or $3634 over the past year.
She said renters in Perth faced the biggest jump when looking at houses, with weekly amounts rising $57.42, for a annual increase of $2986.
“The top item on most renters’ wishlists this Christmas is a rent cut.
“Right now when Australians should be enjoying time with loved ones, many will be worrying about the cost of keeping a roof over their head.”
Ms Azize said immediate action was needed to make renting a viable and affordable housing choice.
“That means a plan that ends Australia’s massive social housing shortfall, scrapping investor tax handouts, raising Centrelink payments and protecting renters from unfair rent increases.”
