Single mum has front-row seat to first home buyer struggles

Tess McKenna, a 31-year-old single mother from Mount Hawthorn, Perth, is struggling to find an affordable first home for her family. As a buyer's agent, she understands the current housing market well, which is described as messy, unaffordable, and limited. Tess has been living in four rentals over the last two-and-a-half years, feeling isolated and doubtful about her ability to own a home.

The Australian dream of owning a home seems to be slipping further away for her, with houses close to the city priced well over $1 million. Property analyst Gavin Hegney advises first home buyers to hold off and shop around, as prices are expected to stabilize in the next 12 months. Curtin University property professor Steven Rowley attributes the housing squeeze to strong investor demand and low supply, while the Australian government's schemes may have contributed to price growth.

WA Housing Minister John Carey is focused on increasing housing supply through measures such as enabling 50,000 subdivisions and promoting medium-density developments. Despite the challenges, Tess remains determined to find a home for her family, even if it means enduring the constant disappointment of missed opportunities.