This senior slashed his living costs with a simple move – find out why you should consider doing the same!
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As the cost of living continues to rise, many Australians are finding themselves in a financial bind, particularly those on fixed incomes such as pensioners. The story of Phil Jones, a 74-year-old pensioner from Perth, highlights a growing issue that many seniors are facing: the rental crisis in Australia.
Phil's journey from Perth to Bathurst is a stark example of the lengths some seniors are going to in order to find affordable housing. After being notified that his lease would be terminated because the owners wanted to sell, Phil found himself in a dire situation. With rents soaring and his pension unable to cover the high costs, he was forced to make a drastic decision – to move nearly 4,000 kilometres away to Bathurst in central west New South Wales.
This move, while challenging, turned out to be a silver lining for Phil. In Bathurst, he found a rental property for $300 a week, which was not only more affordable but also conveniently located within walking distance to essential services and public transport. This move has allowed Phil to live independently and with dignity, despite the initial hardship of leaving behind his life and even his beloved cat, Rascal.
Phil's story is not unique. Across Australia, rental prices have been skyrocketing. CoreLogic data shows that Perth's rents have increased by 13.6 per cent, with an average cost of $669 per week. In contrast, Bathurst's median rent stands at $490 per week, which, while having increased by 4.3 per cent in the past year, is still one of the more affordable options in Australia's large regional cities.
The Federal Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness, Julie Collins, has acknowledged the challenges faced by individuals like Phil, stating, 'Our government understands too many Australians don't have a safe and affordable place to call home.' The shortage of homes in Australia is a long-standing issue that continues to affect the availability and affordability of rental properties.
For those unable to secure rentals, state agencies offer accommodation to eligible households. However, the waiting time for social housing can be extensive, with the WA Department of Communities reporting a wait of 149 weeks, and 81 weeks for priority-listed applicants. Phil's own experience with the public housing waiting list was disheartening, as he received little response and found himself living out of his car for a period.
In response to the rental crisis, the WA government has introduced the Rent Relief Grant Program in partnership with Anglicare WA and Vinnies WA to support tenants experiencing financial hardship. Unfortunately, Phil did not access this program before his move.
Phil's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of considering all options when it comes to housing affordability. For seniors, moving to a more affordable location can be a viable solution to reduce living costs and maintain a decent quality of life. It's a tough decision, but one that can lead to greater financial stability and independence.
Members of the Seniors Discount Club, have you faced similar challenges with rental affordability? Have you considered relocating to reduce your living expenses? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. Your insights could be invaluable to someone facing a similar situation. Remember, sometimes a simple move can make a significant difference in your life.
Phil's journey from Perth to Bathurst is a stark example of the lengths some seniors are going to in order to find affordable housing. After being notified that his lease would be terminated because the owners wanted to sell, Phil found himself in a dire situation. With rents soaring and his pension unable to cover the high costs, he was forced to make a drastic decision – to move nearly 4,000 kilometres away to Bathurst in central west New South Wales.
This move, while challenging, turned out to be a silver lining for Phil. In Bathurst, he found a rental property for $300 a week, which was not only more affordable but also conveniently located within walking distance to essential services and public transport. This move has allowed Phil to live independently and with dignity, despite the initial hardship of leaving behind his life and even his beloved cat, Rascal.
With real estate prices constantly rising, many Australians move out of the cities for more affordable rent and to live a simpler lifestyle. Image Credit: Pexels/Mike Jones
Phil's story is not unique. Across Australia, rental prices have been skyrocketing. CoreLogic data shows that Perth's rents have increased by 13.6 per cent, with an average cost of $669 per week. In contrast, Bathurst's median rent stands at $490 per week, which, while having increased by 4.3 per cent in the past year, is still one of the more affordable options in Australia's large regional cities.
The Federal Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness, Julie Collins, has acknowledged the challenges faced by individuals like Phil, stating, 'Our government understands too many Australians don't have a safe and affordable place to call home.' The shortage of homes in Australia is a long-standing issue that continues to affect the availability and affordability of rental properties.
For those unable to secure rentals, state agencies offer accommodation to eligible households. However, the waiting time for social housing can be extensive, with the WA Department of Communities reporting a wait of 149 weeks, and 81 weeks for priority-listed applicants. Phil's own experience with the public housing waiting list was disheartening, as he received little response and found himself living out of his car for a period.
In response to the rental crisis, the WA government has introduced the Rent Relief Grant Program in partnership with Anglicare WA and Vinnies WA to support tenants experiencing financial hardship. Unfortunately, Phil did not access this program before his move.
Phil's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of considering all options when it comes to housing affordability. For seniors, moving to a more affordable location can be a viable solution to reduce living costs and maintain a decent quality of life. It's a tough decision, but one that can lead to greater financial stability and independence.
