Could co-ops be part of the housing affordability solution?
With rental prices skyrocketing 48% in just five years – far outpacing income growth – it’s no wonder Australians are looking for better, fairer housing options. Housing co-operatives offer just that.
Last week on Life Matters (ABC Radio National), ACHA Chair Liz Thomas joined Professor Wendy Stone and co-op tenant member Kylie to discuss how co-operative housing is providing genuine affordability, security, and community connection – and how it could scale to become a vital part of Australia’s housing future.
Kylie, a single mum, shared how moving into a co-op has been life-changing. She said, “Private rental felt lonely. Now I have a home, a community, and room to breathe.”
Wendy highlighted the power of co-ops to deliver long-term social and economic benefits, while Liz made a compelling case for government investment to grow co-op housing from less than 1% of the social housing market to 10%.
📢 ACHA is calling for dedicated funding to support more people like Kylie and create thriving, sustainable co-op communities across the country.
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/lifematters/cooperative-housing/10506042