Singles struggle to afford housing as cost of living rises

Single-income households, particularly older women, are finding it increasingly challenging to afford housing as living costs continue to rise. This phenomenon, known as the "singles tax," refers to the extra costs faced by individuals who cannot split expenses like couples can. In Australia, there is a shortage of affordable, suitable dwellings for singles.

Louise Taylor, now in her 70s, had hoped her house would be more than a mere roof over her head. Despite numerous rejections when searching for a rental on the private market five years ago, she has been forced to accept a small duplex north of Brisbane. Though grateful, she feels the tight living space will become untenable as she ages.

Taylor, who is on the pension, fears the next rent increase will force her to move in with her adult daughter or even share a house. Studies show that single people spend more than $770 extra on living costs monthly compared to those in a couple. Financial advisor Michael Khouri explains that this is due to the inability to share resources and the additional time and effort required to manage a home alone.

More than half of Australians living alone are women, with the majority being 65 or older. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that women and girls constitute 60% of those seeking assistance from homelessness services. The number of homeless women aged over 55 has surged by approximately 40% over the past decade.

Housing experts emphasize the need for a variety of home types to accommodate the changing needs of singles as they age. The lack of affordable, smaller homes in well-located suburbs poses a significant challenge. Government intervention is essential to increase the supply of affordable housing, with the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund as one such initiative.

However, concerns remain about the affordability of these homes, especially for those living in Queensland, where the government aims to deliver 53,500 social and community homes by 2044.