The increasing number of Australians retiring without outright home ownership places them at risk of housing insecurity and, potentially, homelessness.
Approached by National Shelter to summarise the policy issues and potential responses for the increasing number of Australians retiring without outright home ownership, AHURI developed a factsheet which was published in May 2026.
Over the last 20 years, housing affordability has worsened and home ownership rates have been falling. Renting is increasingly becoming essential, rather than a stepping stone to home ownership, especially for those on lower incomes. Home ownership has long underpinned Australia’s retirement system. Much government policy, including how the Age Pension is set, assumes most retirees own their home. However, an increasing number of us are retiring while still renting, which has implications for financial and housing security in older age.
This factsheet looks at falling rates of home ownership, social housing shortfalls, the tight rental market and the profile of older renters. It also covers a range of policy solutions.
To find out more and download this factsheet go to
https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/research-papers/renting-into-retirement-factsheet
Share This Article
Other articles you may like
