Canberra Residents Speak Out on Housing Affordability Crisis: Voices from Affected Community Members on the Issue

The median house price in Canberra has surpassed $1.2 million, leaving many public servants and low-income families struggling to find affordable housing. This issue is particularly pressing in the growth suburbs of Gungahlin and Belconnen, where new developments are springing up but prices remain out of reach for many.

The current housing affordability crisis in Canberra is a major concern for the community, with many residents feeling the pinch. The ACT Labor government has implemented various initiatives to address the issue, including the Land Rent Scheme and the Public Housing Renewal Program. However, many community members feel that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem. The Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Canberra (UC) have also been conducting research into the issue, highlighting the need for a multifaceted approach to solving the crisis.

Local Impact

In Gungahlin, residents are concerned about the lack of affordable housing options in the area. The Gungahlin Community Council has been advocating for more affordable housing developments, including the use of government-owned land for community housing projects. Similarly, in Belconnen, the Belconnen Community Centre has been working with local residents to provide support and resources for those struggling to find affordable housing. The centre's manager, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that the issue is not just about housing prices, but also about the lack of affordable rentals and the impact of short-term letting platforms like Airbnb on the local rental market.

According to data from the ACT Government's Housing Affordability Strategy, the number of households experiencing housing stress in Canberra has increased by 15% in the past five years. The strategy also notes that the median rent for a three-bedroom house in Canberra is now over $700 per week, making it difficult for low-income families to find affordable accommodation. As of June 2026, there were over 2,500 households on the ACT's public housing waiting list, with wait times averaging around 12-18 months.

So what happens next? The ACT Government has committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing in Canberra, including the development of new community housing projects in Gungahlin and Belconnen. The government has also announced plans to introduce new regulations to limit the impact of short-term letting platforms on the local rental market. In the meantime, community members are urged to contact their local representatives and advocate for more affordable housing options in their area. The ACT Tenant's Union and the Canberra Community Law Centre are also providing support and resources for renters and homeowners struggling to navigate the complex and often daunting housing market in Canberra.