Census data indicates there may be as many as 13 million spare bedrooms in existing Australian homes, at a time when rental stress, homelessness and the cost of living are all at crisis point. This project proposes a novel approach to the housing debate, identifying older homeowners and their empty bedrooms as a potential immediate boost to affordable rental supply. By examining existing tax and pension arrangements in relation to rental income, this research suggests policy measures that may incentivise older Australians to take in a boarder/lodger, thus providing much needed affordable rental stock whilst assisting older Australians with their cost of living.
A briefing paper has been published on this topic and survey data from older women has been collected in collaboration with Better Together Housing (BTH), a NFP whose mission it is to assist in matching older women who own or rent their home and with, older women who are in need of affordable rental accommodation. Future collaborative opportunities are being discussed with Better Together Housing (BTH).
Within the lens of housing as a basic human right, this research focuses on finding solutions to social injustice, regardless of social status or geo-political spatial location in a globalised world. Lyndall’s research creates a positive impact for the community as it leverages existing housing to create affordable rental options in the short term, reducing pressure on the rental market while new housing is developed. It would also ease cost-of-living pressures for homeowners and provide the physical and mental health benefits that come from shared living arrangements. It also has sustainability benefits by better utilising existing housing, negating the need for new construction.
Project investigator
