On Friday, the Australian Government independent National Housing Supply & Affordability Council released the first annual report 'The State of the Housing System 2024'.

This comprehensive independent report presents an overview of the state and functioning of Australia's housing system. It provides evidence and expert advice to improve outcomes across the housing spectrum.

In summary, this report assesses:

· Demand and supply conditions and how these factors influence dwelling prices and rents;

· Housing affordability in Australia across tenure, age and income groups, and focuses in detail on cohorts of vulnerable people;

· Projections for long-term housing outlook and provides an assessment of the suitability of the Australian Government's 1.2 million new homes target.

The report concludes by identifying the focus areas for improving the housing system, which covers:

1.   Investing in social housing
2.   Reducing homelessness
3.   Improving rental market outcomes for tenants
4.   Improving efficiency in the land use and planning systems
5.   Boosting capacity in the construction sector
6.   Improving data availability
7.   Addressing regional-specific housing challenges
8.   Enhancing First Nations housing outcomes
9.   Reviewing the suitability of the national housing target
10. Ensuring Australia's taxation system supports supply and affordability

Together, the private sector, community housing sector, all levels of government and the broader community needs to work better to assess, understand and deliver what Australians need.

https://nhsac.gov.au/reports-and-submissions/state-housing-system-2024