CHASM Housing Affordability Survey, Maleny 10/2016–05/2017

HousingAffordabilitySurvey,MalenyOctober 2016 – May 2017

Report by Julia Peddie

“I’m currently paying $450 per week to rent a place in Maleny, and have been knocked back six applications for cheaper homes in the last three months... So far this year, I have withdrawn money out of my superannuation and sold my car to manage, but $23k in rent is not sustainable as a solo parent.” Aug 2016

(Maleny single mother later forced to relocate due to lack of affordable housing)

Background:CHASM is an affordable housing advocacy group in Maleny. In October 2016 the group began a survey in order to analyze the experience of people in Maleny experiencing housing stress, and to explore what type of housing would suit their needs. The purpose of the survey was to identify who was most in need of affordable housing, assess the causes of housing stress, as well as the impacts, including relocation as a result of the shortage of affordable housing in Maleny. The Australian Bureau of statistics (ABS) use the term “housing stress”, a common measure of this stressor is 30% or greater of the total household income being spent on housing costs. According to this measure, in 2013-2014 50% of low-income earners were experiencing rental stress of 34%. A national graph shows that mortgage and rental costs are on the increase. Of note, there is no government housing in Maleny. A 13-question quantitative survey commenced at the Open Day held at the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, and was later condensed to 10 questions for a digital version on Survey Monkey. From November 2016 to May 2017 CHASM ran a 10-question digital survey (see Appendix 1).

The relevant responses from the October paper survey were manually added. The survey was promoted on Social Media, email and a notice was placed in the Glasshouse Country News in early February, which stimulated the biggest response. Respondents were asked to use a snowballing effect and pass it on to interested parties.

CHASM Housing Affordability Survey, Maleny 10/2016–05/2017

Analysis reports have focused on gender difference in terms income, dependents (where possible), type of housing, desired housing and cost of housing. The survey allowed respondents to skip answers and select multiple answers in most cases.

RespondentDemographic:Question 1 Of 78 respondents three-quarters were female (58), and one-quarter male (20). Question 2 One-third of respondents had dependents (Fig.1), and almost half nominated as single (Fig.2). Question 2 allowed for multiple responses to Single, Partnered, Dependents or Share House. Close analysis of individual responses revealed that 16 respondents were single mothers. Of the 20 males who responded, two nominated as single fathers (including one as ‘shared parenting’). The majority of male respondents with dependents indicated they were partnered.

Fig. 1

Almost half, 48%, (34) of respondents to this question answered single of which 82% were female. Almost one third 31%, (22) of respondents said they were partnered, and just 11%(8) said they lived in a shared house. Two female respondents were living with elderly parents, one with her mother and two women nominated living in a shared house, one of whom was a single mother (Fig.1).

Fig. 2 Question 3 Of those not partnered, single men were slightly more likely to live in a share house mostly with other men, while single women were much more likely to live in homes without other adults (including most of the single mothers). The responses are slightly ambiguous as it is unclear if respondents included children in their numbers of women and men. Several respondents lived in households with adults other than just partners. Seven households said they had two or more males in the household, and eleven

CHASM Housing Affordability Survey, Maleny 10/2016–05/2017

respondents had two or more women, representing almost a quarter of households included in the survey. 42% (32) of respondents had children living with them, including shared households and shared parenting arrangements (Fig.3). Most of these consisted of one or two children per household while two households had six and seven children (one of which was a share house). Most male respondents with children, were partnered.

Fig.3

Question 4 Income levels show 53% (42) of respondents’ household income was under $30k per annum, over a quarter (21) earned between $30k–$50k, 16% (13) earned $50k–$80k. Just two said their household income was over $80k. Comparatively the majority of women nominated the lower two income brackets; 57% and 30% of female respondents respectively (Fig. 4). None of the single women with children had a household income over $50k. The average household income in Australia is $107k (2016).1

Fig. 4

The ABS 2013/14 calculates the national average for low-income households as $35,600, which makes these households lower than the national average (ABS 6523.0 Household Income and Wealth 2013-14).

LivingSituation

“After 29 years living here I will soon have to move. Can’t afford to stay, can’t afford to move… very soon I shall be living in my car.”

(Maleny single father spending $350-$450 on rent, with household income less than $30k)

Question 5 asked what the participants’ housing situation was. Options included Camping, Couch surfing, Department of Housing, Homeless, House sitting, Living in a hotel/hostel, Living with family, Living in a vehicle, Staying with friends, Home-ownership with a mortgage, Home-ownership without a mortgage, and Renting. Of the 75 who responded 60%(45) were Renting, 15%(11) had a Mortgage, 10%(8) were Homeowners without a Mortgage. A small percentage (less than 5%) 1 http://mccrindle.com.au/the-mccrindle-blog/australias-household-income-and-wealth-distribution

CHASM Housing Affordability Survey, Maleny 10/2016–05/2017

nominated Camping (2), Housesitting (3), Living with family (3), Living in a vehicle (3), and Staying with friends (2). Nobody answered Homeless, with Dept. of Housing, Couch-surfing or Living in a Hostel or hotel. Fig.5 shows this breakdown across genders. Several women nominated camping, living in a vehicle, housesitting, living with family and staying with friends. While most rented, 15% (8) of female respondents had a mortgage and 11% (6) owned homes outright Comments from women include “Living in a caravan in my elderly parents driveway” and “Have to be out in 3 weeks and have yet to find somewhere to live”. Aside from one male house sitter, all male respondents either rented or owned their home. Two men commented they rented in sheds, and one exchanged work for accommodation.

Fig.5

HousingStress Question 6 asked respondents’ weekly spend on accommodation. Results were spread more or less evenly across the four brackets with slightly more spending less than $150 pw and fewer over $450pw. When comparing responses by gender however, women respondents pay more per week on average (Fig.6). Results showed that two thirds of male respondents were in the bottom two brackets, with a third spending less than $150pw and a third less than $250pw. Women on the other hand had fewer responses in these lower brackets, and higher numbers in higher brackets with a quarter paying between $250-$350pw and a quarter paying $350-$450pw. About 15% of both genders spent over $450pw on accommodation.

Fig.6

Further analysis of individual responses revealed that 60% (8) of single mothers recorded paying between $350-$450 on accommodation, and two paid over $450. One single mother with a child reported camping for under $150pw. Most couples with children paid over $450pw on accommodation. The majority of respondents who paid less than $250pw had no dependents. Fig.7 is a crude analysis, given the variations in the way people responded, but loosely shows the spread of expenditure.

CHASM Housing Affordability Survey, Maleny 10/2016–05/2017

Overall: * Housing stress due to: 1. High rent was indicated as the single greatest housing stress (61.19%) 2. Loss of income ((28.36%) 3. Health issues (16.42%) 4. Relationship breakup (13.43%)

Fig.7

Question 7 asked what had led to respondents experiencing housing stress. Options included, High mortgage repayments, High rent, Loss of employment, Loss of income, Health issue, Mental Health issue, Relationship breakup, Family issue, Addictions an Other. Fig.8 shows more than 60% of answers cited rent as the main cause of housing stress. Respondents could select more than one option.

Fig.8

CHASM Housing Affordability Survey, Maleny 10/2016–05/2017

Both genders reported Loss of income as the second main cause of housing stress, significantly higher than the option of Loss of employment. The cause of the loss of income is unknown and may be due to changes in government benefits, self-employment income or some other reason (Fig.9). Those who cited Loss of Employment equaled those whose cause of housing stress was due to a Health issue (16%, 11), followed closely by High mortgage repayments and relationship breakup.

Fig.9

PreferredHousingQuestion 8 asked for participants preferred type of housing. Options included Flat / Apartment, House, Share house, Tiny house, Caravan / Van, Intentional community, Rural, Urban and Other. Respondents could select more than one option. Half of respondents preferred a House to other forms of housing. Significantly more than a quarter (19) nominated a Tiny House in front of an apartment, caravan, van or share house. Almost a quarter indicated a preference of an Intentional Community, while a third of responses preferred Rural and just 10% preferred an urban environment. Fig.10 shows preference differences between genders, with a greater proportion of Male respondents preferring rural living, and a significant proportion of women opting for apartment living when compared to men. Share accommodation was less appealing to women, but was more preferable to men than apartment living.

Fig.10

Overall: Type of housing being sought: 1. 50% seeking a house 2. 25% interested in tiny houses 3. 24.32% seeking an intentional community

CHASM Housing Affordability Survey, Maleny 10/2016–05/2017

ForcedRelocationsQuestions 9 asked participants if they’d had to move away from Maleny due to an inability to secure affordable housing. 32% (24) said yes. The second part of the question asked; if yes, did their children need to change schools? Only 12 of 24 ‘yes’ respondents answered, but it appeared that between 3 and 5 respondents said their children had changed schools because they had been forced to relocate. (Fig.11)

Fig.11

Question 10 also focused on those respondents forced to relocate and asked if it was because they wanted to keep their pet. A significant 20% (15) said yes, accounting for almost two thirds of those who said they’d had to move away from Maleny due to the cost of housing. Women were only slightly more likely than men to have moved because of pets (Fig.12).

Fig.12

CHASM Housing Affordability Survey, Maleny 10/2016–05/2017

SummaryDemographic Summary: 16 single mothers 2 single fathers 2 women lived with & cared for elderly parents 22 partnered 34 single 8 shared house (2 women) 42 household income less than $30k (33 women) 21 household income less than $50k (17 women) 50 women’s household income less than $50k 0 single parents’ household income over $50k Living Situation: Men & Women: 60% Renting 15% Mortgage 10% Homeowners no mortgage Women Only: 2 Camping 3 Housesitting (1 man) 3 Living with family 3 Living in a vehicle 2 Staying with friends 0 Homeless 0 Dept. of Housing 0 Couch-surfing 0 Living in Hostel / hotel Housing Stress: <$150 1/3 M & 2 x single mothers (1 camping) $150-$250 1/3 M $250-$350 1/4 F $350-$450 1/4 F (incl. 8 x single mothers) $450+ 15% M&F (incl. 2 x single mothers)

+ Most couples with children 15% High mortgage repayments 61% High rent 17% Loss of employment 28% Loss of income 17% Health issue 8% Mental Health issue 14% Relationship breakup 9% Family issue 2% Addictions 15% Other Preferred Housing: 15% Flat / Apartment More F 50% House M & F 8% Share house More M 26% Tiny house M & F 8% Caravan / Van Slightly More F

CHASM Housing Affordability Survey, Maleny 10/2016–05/2017

24% Intentional community Slightly More F 33% Rural More M 11% Urban More F 1% Other Slightly More F Forced Relocations: 32% (24) due to high rents 3-5 with children changed schools 20% (15) due to pets (2/3 of those forced to relocate)

ConclusionThe survey was aimed at people experiencing housing stress, and was intended to capture a snapshot of their circumstances. From the survey it is clear that the high rental market in Maleny is the main cause for housing stress, forcing people to relocate from the area, and moving children to different schools. Finding housing for renters with pets in such a tight rental market is difficult, and as the survey showed, is a major contributor to people leaving the area. This supports CHASM’s call for the need to maintain social sustainability of the community through the provision of affordable housing. A fifth of respondents were single mothers on low incomes whose weekly spend on accommodation was notably higher than single men, who were more likely to live in low-cost share housing. Those respondents paying the most, tended to be partnered with dependents. A significant number of women reported living in what could be considered unstable housing or caring for elderly parents. On the surface single women with children appear to be the most housing stressed group, and women in general at greater risk of homelessness, however a greater proportion of men need to be surveyed to assess this more accurately. As CHASM promotes living in smaller dwellings, it is noteworthy that a quarter stated a tiny house would be suitable for their housing needs, and as many indicated an intentional community would suit their housing needs. It is recommended that more in depth research be done, especially around the link between housing stress and the impact on children’s lives. The picture emerging from this preliminary data suggests that the Sunshine Coast Council could look at relaxing the multiple occupancy regulations as one solution to these issues and look to creative solutions to relieve the housing stress in this community.

CHASM Housing Affordability Survey, Maleny 10/2016–05/2017

Survey:Appendix1.The ten-question survey as it appeared on Survey Monkey is outlined in Appendix 1.

CHASM (Compassionate Housing Affordability Solutions Maleny) is a community group who are

working to increase the supply of affordable housing in Maleny and surrounding districts.

We are seeking information about people experiencing housing stress. This includes rental and

mortgage stress, those who are at risk of losing their existing housing, who are being priced out

of the rental market, as well as those who are already homeless ie are couch surfing, living in a

vehicle, camping or living rough.

CHASM will use the data collected from this questionnaire to gain a clear understanding

regarding the amount of people experiencing housing stress and to develop local strategies to

increase the supply and range of affordable housing options.

Please answer the following questions as accurately as possible. All responses are anonymous

and confidential.

Where appropriate select more than one answer.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING QUESTIONNAIRE

Housing Affordability Maleny

1. What is your gender?

Female

Male

Other

Other (please specify)

2. What is your living situation?

Single

Partnered

Dependents

Share House

Men

Women

Children

Other

Gender

3. How many people live in your household (including part-time): please write number in relevant box

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CHASM Housing Affordability Survey, Maleny 10/2016–05/2017

4. What is your Household income?

Under $30k

$30k-$50k

$50k-$80k

$80k+

Other (please specify)

5. What is your current housing situation?

Camping

Couch surfing

Department of Housing

Homeless

House sitting

Living in a hotel/hostel

Living with family

Living in a vehicle

Staying with friends

Home ownership with a mortgage

Home ownership without a mortgage

Renting

6. How much do you spend on your (and your dependents') accommodation weekly?

Under $150

$150-$250

$250-$350

$350-$450

+$450

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CHASM Housing Affordability Survey, Maleny 10/2016–05/2017

7. If you are experiencing housing stress, what has led to this situation?

High mortgage repayments

High rent

Loss of employment

Loss of income

Health issue

Mental Health issue

Relationship breakup

Family issue

Addictions

Other

8. What type of housing would best suit your housing needs?

Flat / Apartment

House

Share house

Tiny house

Caravan / Van

Intentional community

Rural

Urban

Other

9. Have you moved away from Maleny, due to an inability to secure affordable housing?

If you know someone in this position, please share this survey to them.

Yes

No

If yes, and you have children, did any children in your household have to change schools?

Yes

No

10. Have you had to move away from Maleny (or are home/houseless) because you want to keep your

pet?

Yes

No

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