Young South Australians are facing an unprecedented rental crisis, with new data revealing that only five homes are affordable for those on a low income. The situation has left many, like 22-year-old university student Bayley Fitzpatrick, feeling disheartened and humiliated after months of searching.
Disheartening search for a home
Fitzpatrick, who has been looking for a rental property for four months, told InDaily that the experience has been emotionally draining. “You put in application after application, and you hear nothing back, or you get rejected. It’s disheartening and humiliating,” he said. “You start to feel like you’re not good enough.”
Only five affordable rentals
New data from the South Australian government shows that across the entire state, there are just five rental properties considered affordable for a single person on the minimum wage or a government allowance. This stark figure underscores the severity of the housing affordability crisis, particularly for young people trying to enter the rental market.
The data, released by the Department of Human Services, defines affordable as costing no more than 30% of a person’s income. With rents soaring and wages stagnating, many young South Australians are being priced out of the market.
Competition is fierce
Fitzpatrick’s experience is not unique. Real estate agents report that affordable rentals are receiving dozens of applications within hours of being listed. “It’s a landlord’s market,” said one agent, who asked not to be named. “We’re seeing properties rented out within a day, often for above the asking price.”
For young people, the competition is particularly intense. Many are up against older, more established renters with higher incomes and better rental histories. “I’ve been told I’m competing against couples and families,” Fitzpatrick said. “How can a single student compete with that?”
Government response
The state government has acknowledged the crisis and announced a series of measures aimed at increasing the supply of affordable housing. These include a $100 million investment in new social housing and incentives for developers to build more affordable rentals. However, critics argue that these measures are not enough and that more urgent action is needed.
“Young people are being locked out of the rental market,” said housing advocate Sarah Johnson. “We need to see more investment in public housing, rent controls, and better support for first-time renters.”
Emotional toll
For Fitzpatrick, the search has taken a toll on his mental health. “It’s hard to focus on my studies when I don’t know where I’ll be living next month,” he said. “I’ve had to move back in with my parents temporarily, but that’s not a long-term solution.”
He is now considering moving to a regional area where rents are lower, but that would mean leaving his university and support network. “It feels like there are no good options,” he said.
Call for action
Housing advocates are calling on the federal government to take a more active role in addressing the crisis. “The rental market is broken, and young people are bearing the brunt of it,” said Johnson. “We need a national strategy to ensure that everyone has access to safe, affordable housing.”
In the meantime, Fitzpatrick continues his search, hoping that something will turn up. “I’m not giving up,” he said. “But it’s hard to stay positive when the odds are stacked against you.”
