Key housing statistics for Yarra. Read the Social and Affordable Housing Strategy. Help to apply for social housing and information for developers.
Everyone has the right to live in a safe, secure, affordable home. We're working on ways to provide more social housing in the City of Yarra.
Key facts about Yarra
- around 6,000 (15%) households experience housing stress, meaning people struggle to pay for the home they live in
- more than half of these are renters on very low incomes
- almost a quarter of single households (23%) are in housing stress
- a quarter of all rental households (25%) are in housing stress
- almost 3,800 (9.5%) households currently live in social housing, the highest number and proportion in Victoria
- almost 700 people are waiting for social housing
- most people (85%) who work live elsewhere
- almost 3,600 (9%) of households have an unmet need for affordable housing
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016
Housing stress is typically described as lower-income households that spend more than 30% of gross income on housing costs. Housing costs include rents, mortgage payments and costs such as rates and water.
The Victorian Government has defined different types of household incomes - from very low to moderate. The values are based on the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics census data in relation to the median household income of Greater Melbourne:
- very low income is less than 50% of the median
- low is 50 to 80% of the median
- moderate is 80 to 120% of the median
- high is more than 120 % of the median
Social housing is government-subsidised housing for people on low incomes who need a home, especially those who have recently experienced homelessness, family violence or have other special needs.
Social housing includes:
- public housing
- owned and managed by the Victorian Office of Housing
- rents are around 25% of income, depending on circumstances
- community housing
- owned and managed by not-for-profit organisations
- rents are around 30% of income
Affordable housing comprises various forms of housing solutions for people on very low to moderate incomes.
Affordable housing includes:
- social housing
- other housing initiatives and support services
As a rule of thumb, housing is usually considered affordable if it costs less than 30% of gross household income.
It is important to distinguish between affordable housing (as explained above) and housing affordability, which is a general term to express that the cost of housing (prices, mortgage payments and rent) is unaffordable when compared to people's incomes.
The Social and Affordable Housing Strategy is our plan to remain a diverse community where people from all income levels can find a home. We are committed to finding ways to increase social and affordable housing in the City of Yarra.
Overall, the state government is in charge. The Victorian Government supplies and manages public housing in the state, while registered housing agencies are the main community housing providers.
Yet, although Yarra Council is not the main policy player, we can still support and contribute to social and affordable housing in a number of ways, including:
- through our role as a planning authority
- by contributing land, buildings and assets
- by partnering with and facilitating the work of other stakeholders
- by advocating to other levels of government
Do you need to find an affordable home? A good place to start looking is the Victorian Government's housing website. It has a list of affordable housing options.
You may be eligible for social housing, which is for people on a low income with rents regulated by the government.
The current waiting list for public housing in Victoria is around 40,000 people. However, you may be eligible for priority access to social housing if you:
- are homeless
- want to escape domestic violence
- have a disability
- have special housing needs
Call the Victorian Statewide Homelessness Line on 1800 825 955 (free call, open 24/7) to speak to someone who can help you in your area.
Call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 (free call, open 24/7) to speak confidentially to a person who can help you find a place to stay and other support, including legal advice.
If you feel unsafe because someone threatens you, you child or a family member, call 000.
There are three ways to apply for social housing. You can apply:
- online
- on paper
- through a support agency
For more information, visit the Victorian Government's housing website.
Are you planning a major building project with more than 50 residential apartments or homes, for which land would need to be rezoned? In this case, we will require you to turn at least 10% of the residential living area into affordable housing.