Benetas supports call for more Government-built social and affordable housing

Benetas echoes findings from Anglicare Australia’s 2026 Rental Affordability Snapshot, calling for the Federal Government to build more affordable and social housing for people on lower incomes.

The report highlights that people on lower incomes have been shut out of the private rental market, with seniors struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

It calls for the Government to move away from the private rental market and focus on building properties for people who need housing the most.

The Snapshot surveyed nearly 49,000 rental listings across Australia and found that:

• Only 0.7 percent of properties were affordable for an older couple.
• Just 0.2% of rentals were affordable for a single person on the Age Pension
• Of the 88 listings considered affordable for someone on the Age Pension, 71 were in share houses
• The shortfall of social and affordable housing is now estimated to have reached 640,000 homes

Benetas has worked hard to create opportunities for older people struggling to find a home, most notably the 38-unit St Laurence Court Community which opened to Bendigo residents last year.

The village provides affordable housing to people over the age of 55, primarily older single women as this is a group considered the fastest growing cohort at risk of homelessness in Australia.

Benetas CEO Sandra Hills OAM said older Victorians, many of whom were on the Age Pension, faced significant issues with rental affordability, significantly limiting their options and ability to age in place.

Ms Hills said examples like St Laurence Court Community had changed the lives of older Bendigo residents and echoed Anglicare Australia’s call to address this overlooked group of low-income people.

“There is an urgent need for all levels of government to work in collaboration to tackle this significant social and healthcare issue and invest in more social and affordable housing,” Ms Hills said.

“Addressing the social housing shortfall will support older Victorians who are experiencing severe rental stress, helping them age in place and reduce the likelihood of them being forced to prematurely enter residential aged care.

“This will ultimately help alleviate the pressure on the health and aged care system.”