EMRS polling reveals most Tasmanians believe state is in housing crisis

An overwhelming majority of Tasmanians believe the state is facing a housing crisis, as rental and mortgage stress — and fears of homelessness rise.

Housing stress is on the rise for Tasmanians.

An overwhelming majority of Tasmanians believe the state is in the middle of a housing crisis, as rental and mortgage stress — and fears of homelessness — rise.

The latest EMRS’ TasTalks Housing Survey reveals two-thirds of Tasmanians have experienced a significant rise in housing costs in the last year.

Around half Tasmanian mortgagees and renters are experiencing mortgage or rental stress, where more than one-third of their household incomes is going towards loan or rental repayments.

One in five reported spending more than half of their earnings on their mortgage or rent.

The survey revealed that rising prices are weighing heavily on Tasmanians, with close to one in five concerned about becoming homeless due to the cost of housing — a figure that rises to 42 per cent among renters.

Hobart aerial from Mount Stuart. Picture: Supplied

EMRS Managing Director Paul Jamrozik said the results were concerning.

“The housing crisis is hitting renters and younger people hard, with most saying they are spending over a third of their income on housing.

“There are very real and widespread concerns among this group that they will become homeless because of the cost of housing.”

“The dream of home ownership also looks dashed for many.

“The majority of Tasmanians aspiring to own a home don’t expect that they will ever achieve this goal, with only one in five believing they will be able to own their own home in the future.

“Tasmanians continue to aspire to own their own home, but sadly many believe it’s out

of their reach.

The survey revealed a strong desire for state government to investment in building more public social housing, with two-thirds of respondents in support.

There was also a strong support for reducing access to overseas investors to the housing

market (57 per cent); increased support for first-home buyers (44 per cent), assistance for renters (42 per cent), and limiting short-term rentals (41 per cent).

There was 60 per cent support for the idea of an empty-home levy.

Mr Jamrozik said the housing crisis had implications for other areas of the economy.

“Because of the housing stress that people are feeling, it’s logical that Tasmanians will cut their spending and with tightening of consumer activity, it will relieve inflationary pressures.”

The TasTalks online survey took responses from 800 Tasmanians aged 18 years and over in late April and was weighted to be representative of the Tasmanian voting population for age, gender, voting preference and education.

Originally published as EMRS polling reveals most Tasmanians believe state is in housing crisis