Recent Pressures in Housing Australia

The recent influx of housing demand and development in Western Australia closely followed the high activity in the agriculture and resources industry. The urban area of Perth has doubled in size since the 1970s to 63 100 hectares. Low density urban spread with single detached houses remains the dominant mode of urban development in Perth. (p. 195 state of the environment report WA 2007)

There are three major factors in the rapid change of housing in Australia,

Environmental issues – More than ever, there is a greater awareness and higher expectations by the public on environmentally conscious development. It is up to architects to implement responsible, sustainable solutions to the general housing market and help reduce the waste of the Earth’s resources.

Change in demographics – The average number of people living in households in Australia is decreasing. It has decreased every decade from 4.53 in 1911 to 2.57 in 2001 and a projected 2.2-2.3 by 2026. This shows the future will bring the need for more small housing solutions and flexibility in household types.

Affordability pressures – According to the 2008 International Housing Affordability Survey, five Australian cities are listed in the world’s top 20 most unaffordable. Perth is among one of the most unaffordable cities to buy a house in the world.