Douglas Shire rental affordability and availability likely to worsen

PAIN WORSENS

David Gardiner

Journalist

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A two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit in Davidson St Port Douglas for $590 pw. Pic: Raine & Horne

Latest data reveals rental hardship in Douglas Shire has worsened – and is not about to improve.

Key real estate researcher SuburbTrends ‘Rental Pain Index’ March report shows that across the region – rental availability has sunk again, and is coupled with the worrying trend of a higher, and growing, proportion of household income going towards rent. 

The average figures in the report across the two Douglas statistical areas, Daintree and Port Douglas (suburbs and towns and their rent pain ‘scores’ are detailed below), show around 32 per cent of household incomes are allocated to rents, after an 11 per cent rise in rental prices in the past year.

“The biggest concern I have now is that the average rise in rents of around 11% has pushed the average household into severe stress in terms of affordability,” SuburbTrends managing director Kent Lardner told Newsport.

Mr Lardner said while 32 per cent might seem already high for the level of income allocated to rent, the situation is even more dire.

“In reality, renters earn a little under the Census average, so it’s actually worse,” he said. 

“Vacancy rates are well below one per cent, meaning there really are no vacant rentals.” 

There are little, or no, signs that the rental stress problem will improve in the near future either. 

“I actually think it all gets worse in the next 12 months, which is why governments must act on immediate measures, not three-year plus pipelines.

“Those families at the lowest 10% or 20% of income and socio-economics will be facing homelessness at levels never seen before in Australia within the next 12-months.

"We're observing a distressing pattern that may lead to a significant increase in homelessness among the most vulnerable populations. 

“The data demands not just our attention but immediate action to prevent a social disaster."

The Douglas figures are similar to many areas of the country, according to report, but not the worst: the rental pain index score reaches 100 in several areas of Queensland, including areas of neighbouring Cairns.

Mr Lardner said new ideas to alleviate the housing crisis must be considered seriously, and fast.

“Considering the success of mobile home villages in providing affordable housing solutions internationally, it's crucial for Australia to explore similar alternatives,” he said.

“Prefabrication technology could be a game-changer, offering quicker, more affordable housing options to combat the rental crisis.”

SuburbTrends ‘Rental Pain’ Index Scores – March 2024

Daintree Statistical Area – 89 (out of the highest - or worst - of 100)

Suburbs: Forest Creek, Bamboo, Kimberley, Low Isles, Lower Daintree, Miallo, Mossman, Mossman Gorge, Newell, Noah, Rocky Point, Shannonvale, Stewart Creek Valley, Thornton Beach, Upper Daintree, Whyanbeel, Bonnie Doon, Finlayvale, Wonga Beach, Cape Tribulation, Cooya Beach, Cow Bay, Dagmar, Daintree, Diwan.

Port Douglas Statistical Area – 74 (out of the highest - or worst - of 100)

Suburbs: Killaloe, Mowbray, Oak Beach, Port Douglas, Wangetti, Cassowary, Craiglie

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