The Central Coast is facing a deepening housing crisis, with rising rental and mortgage stress, and a growing social housing shortfall, according to Everybody’s Home.
Everybody’s Home is a national campaign launched in 2018 by a coalition of housing, homelessness and welfare organisations to achieve the change needed so everybody has a safe and decent place to live.
It’s latest report says that while housing affordability is a national issue, the electorates of Robertson and Dobell are facing distinct housing challenges with people waiting over a decade for social housing, rents unaffordable across the electorate and rates of mortgage stress high.
Housing affordability is further strained by lower incomes and fewer job opportunities compared to capital cities, the report says.
The homelessness rate in Robertson stands at 16.6 per 10,000 people, with 253 individuals experiencing homelessness, according to Census data.
In Dobell there are 498 homeless individuals.
This includes people living in improvised dwellings or tents, or sleeping outdoors, as well as those in supported accommodation or staying temporarily with others.
“Without intervention to address affordability challenges, the risk of homelessness may continue to grow,” the report says.
The data highlights an ongoing need for targeted housing support, ensuring that those at risk of homelessness have access to stable, affordable housing options.
Households in Robertson needing social housing number 4,900, with 5,700 household in Dobell in need.
Average waiting time in the region is more than 10 years.
“This indicates a significant shortfall in available social housing, leaving many low-income residents without access to stable and affordable accommodation,” the report says.
“A critical issue is the long waiting time for social housing.
“This prolonged delay forces many eligible households into precarious living situations, including overcrowded housing, temporary accommodation, or the private rental market, where affordability challenges are severe.
“The extended wait times suggest that existing social housing stock is insufficient to meet current demand, leading to greater financial stress and housing insecurity for vulnerable residents.”
The report says approximately 95% of renters in Robertson are experiencing financial stress, with renters comprising about 43% of the total population.
In Dobell, 84.6% of renters are experiencing financial stress.
On the mortgage front, a significant number of households are under mortgage stress (28.5% in Robertson and 42.7% in Dobell) with a considerable portion of income directed towards mortgage repayments.
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