In a nation where owning a home is deeply ingrained in their culture, Aussies have faced a particular predicament over the past years.

The country's housing crisis became a source of growing concern, particularly for seniors who worry about the future housing prospects for their kin.

With property prices soaring and the dream of home ownership slipping away for many, the search for a culprit is on.

Some fingers have pointed towards immigration as the root cause of the housing shortage.

However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese presented a different perspective on the issue.

During a candid conversation on ABC's Q+A, Prime Minister Albanese tackled the contentious issue head-on.

Aussies have experienced a housing shortage over the past years. Image Credit: Pexels/Larry Snickers

Prime Minister Albanese challenged the notion that record-high immigration levels have been the primary driver of Australia's housing crisis.

However, Albanese argued that the spike was expected after reopening the country's borders after COVID-19.

'Australians are coming home, visitors are coming here for the first time, and students,' Prime Minister Albanese shared.

However, Albanese quickly shifted the focus to the crux of the issue.

Prime Minister Albanese emphasised that the key to making housing more affordable lies in the supply.

This perspective aligned with the concerns of many experts.

These experts argued that Australia's housing market woes were due to insufficient construction of new homes that should meet the growing population's needs.

Prime Minister Albanese also pointed out that the previous Coalition government had blocked Labor's plan to cap annual international student numbers at 270,000.

Yet, he clarified that it's skilled workers who have driven the demand to buy property.

'On immigration, particularly when it comes to housing, the biggest thing that you could do, an area where you could reduce the amount is in students because some of that frankly was being abused,' Prime Minister Albanese said.

According to 2023 data, Australia's immigration levels reached up to 500,000 individuals—that's just two years after reopening borders.

Last year, Australia took in over 444,000 immigrants.
In a moment of personal reflection, Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged the double-edged sword of rising house prices.

While homeowners benefit from increased property values, it also made it more challenging for first-time buyers to enter the market.

This admission underscored the complexity of the country's housing affordability issue.

Typical asking prices for houses now hover at around $1 million.

So, an average Australian earning a full-time salary of $102,742 could now be priced out of the capital city housing markets.

This is particularly disheartening for Australians who keep on saving for a mortgage deposit, only to find that house prices in certain areas still climb higher.

Albanese's government, along with state premiers, committed to building 1.2 million 'well-located' homes over the next five years.

However, the current pace of the construction fell short of the annual target needed to meet this goal.

Along with it, the construction industry also faced several challenges, including high material costs and increased risk of insolvency.

Housing Minister Clare O'Neil's comments last year also stirred the pot.

Minister O'Neil stated that the government's aim was not to lower house prices but to moderate the rate of growth to sustainable levels.

Minister O'Neil's stance sparked a debate among those who feel that more aggressive measures are needed to cool the overheated market.

As we navigate these complex issues, it's clear that there's no single cause or quick fix for Australia's housing crisis.

It's a multifaceted problem that requires a multifaceted solution.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denied that record-high immigration levels have been the cause of Australia's housing crisis.
• Albanese pointed out that the lack of supply has been the main issue for Australia's housing market.
• The Prime Minister acknowledged that while rising house prices benefit current homeowners, they also posed challenges for those aspiring to buy their first home.
• Despite promises from the Albanese Government to build 1.2 million homes within five years, the current rate of new residential buildings is below the target needed.

How has the housing market affected you or your loved ones? What solutions could help alleviate the crisis? Join the discussion in the comments below, and let's talk about this pressing issue together.

 

[Sherril54]

All the people I see at house auctions are middle eastern migrants !
Not many aussies

Once again have a look at the Laws that allow inflation to rise.

 

[DLHM]

So if Albanese is a Moron and all the negative comments that have been made against him, what about the other Moron/suspected cheat who may land the Job. While the real estate market is flooded with investors who are making a fortune from buying and selling realestate inflation of housing prices will continue to rise. don`t blame students or migrants for this mess, have a look at the laws that allow anyone, not only politicians to make a fortune out other`s misery.

I agree with what you say except the immigration numbers are far, far too high. How can Australia expect to have housing for all its citizens at appropriate rates when the new immigrants take priority?

When my daughter was training to work in Aged Care, she was the only Australian in the class. (I can’t remember the exact number of students, but I think approximately 10-ish.) She was also the only one who had to pay for her course. The others would brag about the freebies they received since arriving in Australia.

Making our own country and its citizens a priority appears to be lacking.

 

[Knell]

Honestly I am so on the fence. We are a huge country with still not enough people to fill it up. As back in the days of the snowy we need people.
However they need to be more closely vetted and I would like to see people having to live and work in more underpopulated areas.

70% of Australia is basically desert. Not many people want to live in the desert.

 

[Mindygirl12022]

The whole thing started with the Covid Pandemic. Where did it come from? Oh that was China. It's all gone on from there. I am part of the 'Aging Population' as quoted, and I certainly was able to plan for it. After the Pandemic, well, up came the people from down south to buy up the properties. Immigration can be a good thing for a Country but saying that we have to think of us Aussies who live here and badly need homes. Albanese has not addressed this. Bring on the election.

 

[Mindygirl12022]

70% of Australia is basically desert. Not many people want to live in the desert.

I agree, we have a green band around the perimeter of Australia, so there isn't such a lot of places inland where people would live.

 

[Isis]

Well, you could get me going......
1) immigration is as high as it is because they are labour voter and they are prepared to live in squalor.
2) Australia is already overcrowded.
3) there is little or no manufacturing.
4) Australians are basically lazy
5) So far I have been hospitalised 3 times and you could count the number of Australians in the field on one hand.
6) sure, Albo has a solution for the housing problem, HIS, for his next mttimillion mansion and his investment properties.

The man is a moron...

A sweeping statement indeed. My parents were as happened in the latter years, staunch labour certainly they and others not living in squalor. A mixture of my friends also labour living very. Comfortably indeed no doubt many more. , being more of a swinging voter where would you put me I wonder.
If you look at a map of Australia,s inhabited area you will see not overcrowded . It is areas that have us like ants around coastlines.
Actually I agree with a lot you say but so much is an emotional and hurtful comment.
Sorry for your health problems at least it gives me an idea where you are coming from

 

[Veggiepatch]

I agree, we have a green band around the perimeter of Australia, so there isn't such a lot of places inland where people would live.

Where did the majority of immigrants of the last 20 years come from?

You will find those countries have a greater than average percentage of desert than other countries in Europe and the Americas. Look at northern Africa and the Middle East.

They would be right at home living in a desert environment. Send them all there to their own devices!

 

[Sherril54]

I agree with what you say except the immigration numbers are far, far too high. How can Australia expect to have housing for all its citizens at appropriate rates when the new immigrants take priority?

When my daughter was training to work in Aged Care, she was the only Australian in the class. (I can’t remember the exact number of students, but I think approximately 10-ish.) She was also the only one who had to pay for her course. The others would brag about the freebies they received since arriving in Australia.

Making our own country and its citizens a priority appears to be lacking.

Yes it may seem that the numbers are high, however Australia has a small population approximately 27 million, which needs to be boosted, we cannot compete with the likes of America, most Asian or European countries, therefore are relying on their goodwill. In my opinion there has been no forward thinking or planning from any recent governments to develope the infastructure that is required for a boost in population, you have to remember that all Australians apart from Indigenous Australians were immigrants at one time or another. We have everything we need in this country apart from population and infastructure, so we will be brown nosing America or anyone else who decides to take a swipe. I agree it must be disheartening for your daughter to learn about the supports provided to immigrants, however they usually arrive here without much money and this is a way to ensure that they do become contributing citizens.

 

[Veggiepatch]

I agree it must be disheartening for your daughter to learn about the supports provided to immigrants, however they usually arrive here without much money and this is a way to ensure that they do become contributing citizens.

Tell that to the Sudanese, Somalian and Afghan youth gangs in Australia.

 

[Sherril54]

Tell that to the Sudanese, Somalian and Afghan youth gangs in Australia.

Yes, I agree however, don`t forget the youth gangs that are home grown what is this a sign of?

 

[Singomate]

There's more than one thing driving up house prices, yes immigration, yes lack of new homes, yes to all the obvious things but the biggest single cause is GREED.

 

[mOiOz]

Cannot understand why immigration numbers are so high when there's not enough housing for people !
Australia will eventually be so overcrowded, all services will struggle.
Obviously skilled workers need to be able to come here to make up for the lack of Australian workers
who won't do certain jobs.
Medical staff and nurses are needed to combat the shortage as Australians don't want to go into this field it seems these days, and with an aging population, more and more staff are needed.
Hope Albo can come up with a solution for Australia's housing problem.

The current figure of refugees is, 17,875 and he stated he wants to increase it to 20,000!
Why should he give a $#!T!... he has a $4 million house to go to - asshole!!

 

[Veggiepatch]

When "Koala" Howard was in power, his Government let in over 250000 immigrants during his last three years of his term. Do you know how much Howard's real estate is currently worth? One property alone is worth over $6 million. In Wollstonecraft, on Sydney's north shore.

Not to mention Malcolm Turnbull's Point Piper residence, worth in excess of a lowly $150 million.

Albo's $4.3 million house in Copacabana shrinks into insignificance.

Inside the private homes of Aussie prime ministers: how Albo’s $4.3m mansion compares - realestate.com.au

Malcolm Turnbull continues to have by far the most valuable home of a former prime minister and it’s been estimated to be worth a jaw-dropping price.

www.realestate.com.au

 

[Sherril54]

There's more than one thing driving up house prices, yes immigration, yes lack of new homes, yes to all the obvious things but the biggest single cause is GREED.

Yes for sure, and that why it has to be investigated and the laws changed!

 

[relljube]

So if Albanese is a Moron and all the negative comments that have been made against him, what about the other Moron/suspected cheat who may land the Job. While the real estate market is flooded with investors who are making a fortune from buying and selling realestate, inflation of housing prices will continue to rise. Don`t blame students or migrants for this mess, have a look at the laws that allow anyone, not only politicians to make a fortune out of other`s misery.

No its called capitalism as opposed to socialism - I work hard for my money and don't squander it on all the latest technology items - nor holidays, nor coffees etc etc. If I choose to invest in the property market with MY MONEY that is my RIGHT as an Australian. Leave it to Albosleezy and he will spend every last cent that we can generate on buying his votes - even if it means opening the borders to the dregs of society. Everything that comes out of his mouth is either a lie or excuse after excuse - he has no morality nor sense of responsibility and has no compunction to make Australians self-responsible. Not much better than Labor's other cabinet members who are also tarred with the same brush.

 

[relljube]

When "Koala" Howard was in power, his Government let in over 250000 immigrants during his last three years of his term. Do you know how much Howard's real estate is currently worth? One property alone is worth over $6 million. In Wollstonecraft, on Sydney's north shore.

Not to mention Malcolm Turnbull's Point Piper residence, worth in excess of a lowly $150 million.

Albo's $4.3 million house in Copacabana shrinks into insignificance.

Inside the private homes of Aussie prime ministers: how Albo’s $4.3m mansion compares - realestate.com.au

Malcolm Turnbull continues to have by far the most valuable home of a former prime minister and it’s been estimated to be worth a jaw-dropping price.

www.realestate.com.au

Sorry mate but it is their good luck that they invested in the right areas to ensure capital gains - they purchased within the law of the land at the time and managed to make money at it - it is called capitalism - better that then socialism (try doing this in that socialist country Russia). If Labor had their way we would all be destitute to the same extent as each other - that is socialism - grabbing from the haves to prop up the have-nots! Can you tell me that none of the Laborites have ever made money out of property investment???

 

[Sherril54]

No its called capitalism as opposed to socialism - I work hard for my money and don't squander it on all the latest technology items - nor holidays, nor coffees etc etc. If I choose to invest in the property market with MY MONEY that is my RIGHT as an Australian. Leave it to Albosleezy and he will spend every last cent that we can generate on buying his votes - even if it means opening the borders to the dregs of society. Everything that comes out of his mouth is either a lie or excuse after excuse - he has no morality nor sense of responsibility and has no compunction to make Australians self-responsible. Not much better than Labor's other cabinet members who are also tarred with the same brush.

Don`t you think Dutton and Co are doing the same thing. The Country was in a financial mess when the previous Government was in charge. At the same time Mr Dutton and Co was making a fortune out of real estate, shares etc and anything else that was in the offering. Funny how Mr Morrison won a very lucrative Job in America which is connected with AUKUS. I do not have a problem with making money as long as it is on a level playing field. And as far as lying is concerned once again have a look at Mr Dutton and Co could not lay straight in bed!

 

[Joydie]

Albanese needs to go, they are fast tracking visas for Afghans so they can vote Labor. Immigration should be stopped and overseas investors should not be allowed to buy property here. Put Labor, Greens andcTeals last.

It occurs to me that Labor may well be shooting itself in the foot with this importation of Muslim migrants. If Fatima Payman has anything to do with things, there'll be a Muslim Party up and running, if not this election, certainly the next one.

Albanese is totally unable to see past the end of his nose. He's concentrating on winning the next election, and he believes his only opposition is the LNP.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Sorry mate but it is their good luck that they invested in the right areas to ensure capital gains - they purchased within the law of the land at the time and managed to make money at it - it is called capitalism - better that then socialism (try doing this in that socialist country Russia). If Labor had their way we would all be destitute to the same extent as each other - that is socialism - grabbing from the haves to prop up the have-nots! Can you tell me that none of the Laborites have ever made money out of property investment???

Don't confuse democratic socialism with communism. They are poles apart. Throw in capitalism and it becomes a matter of the unequal distribution of wealth. With capitalism, the rich get richer and the poor dip below the poverty line. Meanwhile....

Turnbull's $150 million "Taj Mahal" would supply modest housing to over 200 families. Albo's? About six to seven families.

The epitome of capitalism when you research Turnbull's astonishing wealth gain, especially when selling his share in OzEmail for $57 million in 1999 when he bought it for $500000 five years earlier. Just made almost 120 times his original investment. THAT is capitalism!

 

[relljube]

Don't confuse democratic socialism with communism. They are poles apart. Throw in capitalism and it becomes a matter of the unequal distribution of wealth. With capitalism, the rich get richer and the poor dip below the poverty line. Meanwhile....

Turnbull's $150 million "Taj Mahal" would supply modest housing to over 200 families. Albo's? About six to seven families.

The epitome of capitalism when you research Turnbull's astonishing wealth gain, especially when selling his share in OzEmail for $57 million in 1999 when he bought it for $500000 five years earlier. Just made almost 120 times his original investment. THAT is capitalism!

And wasn't Turnbull lucky? Or was it good fortune that he invested a lot of money ($500,000 -probably borrowed a fair proportion of it) and took the gamble that it would pay off? Luck that he could have invested in other telcos of the time who went broke - he chose wisely for his investment - good for him - mind you I am not a fan of Turnbull in the least but I can't begrudge his willingness to back his own judgement.