The Bugle continues our coverage of Kiama’s Housing Crisis.

We brought you new data from Domain confirming what so many of us already know: rents and housing have reached record highs.

Today, the average rent for a house in Kiama is $673 per week – up 3.5 per cent in the last twelve months, and 29.3 per cent over the last five years.

The average rent for a unit is now $580 – an increase of 9.4 per cent in the last twelve months and almost 35 per cent over the last five years.

We also brought you a deep dive from Donna Portland into the arguments for and against a rental freeze.

Donna spoke to locals and experts with skin in the game about the best way to make housing affordable again.

Property Club President, Kevin Young, shared research showing two thirds of landlords would consider selling their investment properties if rent freezes and rental caps were put in place, reducing supply.

Real Estate Agent Sam Lathbury from First National Coast & Country sounded a similar note, saying if more landlords decide to sell, it will be more difficult for tenants to find the right property.

The Bugle was pleased to read Fiona Phillips’ comment that “young people and people of all ages in the Kiama local government area should be able to live locally”.

She’s right.

We were also pleased to read Gareth Ward’s long list of suggestions to increase supply including restoring the First Home Buyers Choice scheme, making it harder for foreign investors to flood the market, and changing rules around negative gearing and the use of superannuation to purchase a first home.

But it was this observation from Mr Ward – about unlocking the Australian Dream – which cut through more than anything else: “by targeting increased housing supply, through a range of housing types, you can address not only rents but make home ownership more affordable for people who are on the precipice. People who can leave the rental market and become homeowners free up rental properties”.

He’s right.

Giving locals more choice, of different types of housing – be that a house or unit close to town or away from town - is the best way of helping them stay locals now and into the future.

And, with the local population set to reach almost 26,000 in just three years’ time, time is of the essence.

As part of The Bugle’s continued coverage, we’d like to hear from you, our readers, about how you think we can best fix the problem and address the housing crisis.

What’s the best way of bringing down rents?

How do we help young locals buy their first home?

How do we grow without losing our character?

Is the answer more higher density apartments in the town centre, like Council’s plan for Akuna Street carpark?

Or, is the solution more homes outside of town?

Let us know, have your say, and join the discussion. Contact Us