Experts warn: Your home costs more,
When considering housing affordability, many define it as the balance between income earned and the costs of rent or mortgage.
However, a team from Curtin University aims to shift this narrative to include other important factors impacting affordability.
In their recent report, Dr. Adam Crowe and Dr. Steven Rowley highlighted that poor-quality housing imposes extra costs on vulnerable Australians.
For instance, poorly insulated homes may lead to hundreds of dollars in additional heating or cooling expenses for residents each year.
Additionally, homes situated far from major employment centers can result in significant transportation and fuel costs for families living there.
Moreover, mould-infested properties may contribute to substantial medical expenses, further straining the budgets of affected households over time.
Dr. Crowe, the project’s lead researcher, stated that governments often overlook the importance of adequate housing standards affecting household health.
This oversight is alarming, considering that these hidden costs can consume a large portion of a household’s total income significantly.
For example, research indicates that lower-income households in Australian capital cities frequently spend up to 9.4 percent of their income on commuting.
Overall, it is crucial to recognize the broader implications of housing quality on overall affordability and household financial health.
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The World Health Organization recommends maintaining a minimum indoor temperature of 18ºC for health; however, Australian homes often fall short.
Research indicates that during winter months, average minimum temperatures in these homes can drop as low as 7.5ºC.
Consequently, tight budgets may compel some Australians to opt for inadequate housing that suffers from mould, dampness, and pest issues.
These conditions can lead to significant health problems, ultimately resulting in increased medical expenses for residents down the line.
Dr. Crowe emphasized that households deserve access to quality housing standards without financial burdens affecting their health and wellbeing.
Moreover, it’s essential that housing costs do not compromise residents’ ability to meet non-housing essential expenditures effectively over time.
