Melbournians want a greater choice of housing types but there are a number of barriers to delivering more of the housing they say they want, according to a new report released by the Grattan Institute. Titled The Housing We’d Choose, the report presents the results of a detailed survey on the housing preferences of over 700 residents in Sydney and Melbourne, who were asked to make real-world housing choices, taking into account factors such as housing costs and budget limits.
The report revealed significant differences between the housing that Australians say they would choose, and the housing that is currently available.
In Melbourne, where detached homes in outer and fringe areas have dominated construction over the past ten years, the report highlighted a shortage of semi-detached houses and apartments in the middle and outer suburbs of the city.
The results of the Grattan Institute report adds to the body of evidence that suggests there is much more work which needs to be done to shape our cities in the direction that residents say they wish to see. A landmark national survey released by the Property Council earlier this year, My City also presented a clear demand for reform by gauging the liveability of Australian cities based on the verdict of their residents. Using 17 attributes to benchmark the performance of a good city, the survey results revealed that Melbourne’s residents saw the need for their city to radically decrease congestion, improve transport services and increase housing affordability.
According to the Grattan Institute report, the obstacles to Australia’s desired housing market can be identified by examining recent construction trends. Particularly in Victoria, the report highlighted the uncertainty and risk of planning systems as one of the barriers to delivering the types of housing preferred by residents.
Victoria’s future prosperity will be shaped by how its planning systems meet a number of challenges resulting from rapid population growth, among which is the demand for housing. The Property Council’s report, Delivering on Melbourne’s Population Plan shows that the city is experiencing a high growth rate which surpasses the previous projections of the Melbourne 2030 policy. This suggests that Melbourne will have to deliver housing in a shorter time frame than previously anticipated.
In order to maximise the benefits of population growth and manage its challenges, it is vitally important that Victoria transitions towards an efficient planning system that addresses existing housing and infrastructure deficits.
The Property Council’s 2011-2012 Pre-Budget Submission to the Victorian Government has reinforced its commitment to advocating for a modern, efficient planning and application assessment system that delivers planning outcomes quickly and ensures Victoria’s liveability through effective planning strategies.
Keep an eye out for the next edition of Property Victoria for even more policy analysis on these issues.
Source: Property Council of Australia
