Australia ranks among most dissatisfied nations on housing, new survey reveals

A new Gallup survey has found that Australians are among the most frustrated in the world over housing affordability, with dissatisfaction reaching record levels, Reuters reported. Over 75% of Australians surveyed in 2024 expressed discontent, compared to a 50% median across OECD countries.

The findings ranked Australia second only to Turkey for housing dissatisfaction within the OECD. Despite high satisfaction rates for healthcare (71%), schools (66%), and public transport (61%), housing remains a major concern.

The survey attributes this to underinvestment, high immigration, and pandemic-related construction delays, which have driven property prices to nine times the average income since 2002. Rents have also more than doubled.

Younger and low-income Australians are particularly affected, with only 16% of adults aged 18 to 34 satisfied with affordability. Experts warn the gap between housing satisfaction and other essential services is wider than ever.

The Labor government has introduced measures, including a shared equity scheme and tax incentives, aiming to build 1.2 million homes by 2030. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently announced cash bonuses for construction trainees to address labor shortages.