REIA President, Hayden Groves, said that killing off rent controls, suggesting possible reforms for states to help renters, a revised and funded housing target and long overdue planning overhaul are all things that deal with Australia’s severe housing shortage.
The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) has today (16 August 2023) welcomed the National Cabinet’s action on housing over playing populist politics.
REIA President, Hayden Groves, said that killing off rent controls, suggesting possible reforms for states to help renters, a revised and funded housing target and long overdue planning overhaul are all things that deal with Australia’s severe housing shortage.
“We welcome the focus on building more homes and a boots on ground approach. It’s time to convert these words into action.”
Rent freeze and rent controls rejected
“We thank the nation’s first ministers for emphatically and unequivocally rejecting rent freezes and rent caps.
“This is the optimal outcome across the board for rental supply, rental affordability and – most importantly – tenants.”
A better deal for renters
Mr Groves said the nine-point plan for the States to consider implementing to support renters aims to get the balance right between investor and tenant.
“The nine-point plan for renters seeks out a reasonable balance between enabling consumer protection and ensuring we aren’t overregulating and therefore diminishing the rental supply pipeline.
“REIA would like to especially welcome the strengthening of any protections on offer to support victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence is insidious in Australian society with property managers often acting as proxy first responders. We must as a nation do whatever we can do combat it.”
Housing supply focus welcomed
“We have the 1.2 million homes targets, we have the Government support and will, we have the money. Now the States and the construction and building sector need to get building.
“It is time now for action not words to finally deliver their promises to Australians of more homes.”
National Planning Reform Blueprint
“Planning has long been a key obstacle in housing supply and the Blueprint offers a welcome approach to reform if it is delivered on by Governments and the planning sector.
“This will require the will and collaboration of many and a farewelling of our ‘NIMBY’ culture to ‘YIMBY’ culture in this country.”