RBA Highlights Housing Shortfall as Key Driver of Rental Crisis

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The report, authored by Declan Twohig, Anirudh Yadav, and Jonathan Hambur, comes at a critical time when the nation faces intense scrutiny over rising rental prices and the affordability of housing. Despite widespread assumptions, the authors highlight that landlords are unlikely to transfer increased costs resulting from interest rate hikes to their tenants. This perspective is noteworthy, considering the RBA has adjusted interest rates upwards on 13 occasions over the past 18 months.

The analysis reframes the conversation on Australia's rental market, positioning the lack of adequate housing development as the more influential factor. As observed in other global cities experiencing similar crises, such as New York and London, the shortfall in housing creation rather than borrowing costs often stands at the crisis's core.

The backdrop to this report highlights a bigger picture, one that considers urban planning and government policies as central issues to be addressed. By focusing on maintaining a steady construction pipeline, there could be hope for stabilizing the rental market and easing the burden on renters.

An illustrative example of housing projects being delayed or paused could be seen as correlating with the rental shortages. Furthermore, initiatives like tax reforms and incentive structures for developers might stimulate faster growth in housing supply, with potential knock-on effects benefiting struggling renters.

Interestingly, the authors pointed to scenarios in other sectors, such as commercial property, where despite fluctuating interest rates, the availability of market stock generally dictates lease terms and rent reviews, rather than interest financial pressures alone.

Published:Thursday, 17th Oct 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Super Fund Service Falls Short for Many Australians

21 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Australians are often told to compare superannuation funds by returns, fees and insurance, but a new customer service assessment suggests another factor deserves attention: how well a fund responds when members actually need help. - read more

Why first-home buyers are turning to Western Sydney apartments

21 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

New NSW property sales data points to a practical shift in the first-home buyer market: more buyers are choosing apartments in Western Sydney, while overall transaction volumes across the state have lifted. InfoTrack’s latest quarterly figures show NSW sales activity rose between April and June, with first-home buyers increasingly clustering around suburbs that offer a mix of relative affordability, transport, jobs and established services. - read more

Tesla’s Guaranteed Future Value Loan Could Reframe EV Buying

21 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Tesla Australia has added a new finance pathway for local buyers through a Guaranteed Future Value loan arranged with Driva, giving approved customers a clearer view of what their vehicle may be worth at the end of the loan term. For Australians weighing up an electric vehicle loan, the move is notable because it targets one of the lingering concerns around EV ownership: depreciation. - read more

Toyota’s Electrification Fightback Gives EV Buyers More to Consider

21 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Toyota Australia has signalled a much broader electrification push as competition from BYD and other Chinese brands intensifies. For Australian buyers, the story is not just about brand rivalry. It is about a fast-changing showroom mix that could affect vehicle choice, waiting times, resale expectations and the way households structure finance for their next low-emissions car. - read more

Geely EX2 Gives Budget EV Buyers a New Finance Puzzle

21 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s affordable electric vehicle segment is getting another serious shake-up, with Geely confirming local pricing for the EX2 electric hatch ahead of showroom arrivals from late July 2026. The entry Complete variant is priced from $26,490 plus on-road costs, while the higher-spec Inspire starts from $30,990 plus on-road costs. That places the EX2 among the cheapest new EVs available locally and gives cost-conscious buyers another alternative to weigh against small electric hatchbacks and compact SUVs already on sale. - read more

Click for more Finance News