How the housing affordability crisis is changing QLD households

Researchers at The University of Queensland have found young adults and baby boomers are bearing the brunt of Queensland's housing affordability crisis. Demographer Dr Elin Charles-Edwards from UQ's City Impact Lab led a study that showed the two age groups were increasingly likely to live with other people, rather than in their own households, compared to five years ago. "Our analysis of Australian Census data between 2016 and 2021 has found a decline in 'householder' rates for young adults, as well as those aged 60-plus," Dr Charles-Edwards said. "More of them were sharing with others, instead of living in their own flat or house. "This likely represents pent-up demand for housing that needs to be addressed." In some Queensland regions, people in their 20's were also less likely to lead a household in 2021, compared to 2016. "This was most pronounced in high growth areas like the Sunshine Coast and Cairns, but also markedly on the Gold Coast, Moreton Bay region and Wide Bay," Dr Charles-Edwards said. "These are young people often staying longer in - or returning to - the family home.