Bunbury ‘dominating the bad news’ on housing crisis pain

A WA research business which released data last week showing a standout decline in South West housing affordability wants to use its platform to promote change. Recent data from Suburbtrends showed dramatic rental price increases Statewide were adding to price strain on regions such as the South West. Suburbtrends founder Kent Lardner said Bunbury was “dominating the bad news” with renters spending more and more of their total income on keeping a roof over their heads. “For instance, Busselton West has seen a 10 per cent increase in rental prices over the past year, with rental affordability at 45 per cent of income and a low vacancy rate of 0.7 per cent, “ he said. “This results in a Rental Pain Index of 100 indicating severe rental stress. What we expect to see in those regions where the affordability metric exceeds 30 per cent is an increased risk in displacement resulting in homelessness. “Similarly, Augusta has experienced an 18 per cent increase in rents, with 43 per cent of income going towards rent and a 0.6 per cent vacancy rate, also resulting in a Rental Pain Index of 100.” Mr Lardner said suburbs like College Grove, Carey Park, East Bunbury and Glen Iris, and towns including Bridgetown and Boyup Brook had similar trends. “The data highlights the acute rental stress and affordability challenges across the region, emphasising the need for targeted interventions to alleviate the pressure on renters and improve housing stability,” he said. “We collaborate with homelessness groups, community housing operators, charities and faith-based organisations to advocate for safe and stable homes. “This week, we formally joined and partnered with Faith Housing Alliance. Working together, we hope to make a real difference rather than just focusing on awareness. “Faith Housing Australia has a wonderful purpose, looking at practical ways to help by repositioning places of worship across all religions to use their land for housing justice.” Mr Lardner, who founded Suburbtrend eight years ago, had worked in industries related to housing and was inspired to make a difference from his own personal experience. “I started my career in the mortgage industry, drawn to the issues of housing affordability and the impact of government policy on house prices.” he said. “Growing up in public housing instilled in me a deep understanding of affordability and a passion for addressing homelessness. “This personal experience fuels my commitment to making housing more accessible, especially for young people without the right family wealth or who are born in the wrong postcode.” Mr Lardner said he hoped Suburbtrends would grow in size and extend more help to the the not-for-profit groups it worked with.