Cathy Callaghan News Today

Professionals seeking affordable housing are displacing those at risk of homelessness as rents soar

People like Priyanka are the group of Australians with the fastest growing rate of homelessness.

People like Priyanka are the group of Australians with the fastest growing rate of homelessness.

People like Priyanka are the group of Australians with the fastest growing rate of homelessness.

The new Labor government has promised to appoint a commissioner charged with guiding reforms to the housing sector amid continued calls for a cap on rent increases.

Waterloo Estate residents have received support from Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who called the NSW Government’s plan “a tragedy” and said the redevelopment presented an amazing opportunity for any responsible government to build more social and affordable housing. Speaking at a council meeting early last year, she said, “We’ve got a housing crisis in Sydney, and if we can’t have social housing on publicly owned sites, where are we going to have it?”

The frustrating reality of finding an affordable place to rent has been laid bare by video showing a line of around 100 people waiting patiently to inspect a $700 per week two-bedroom apartment in Sydney.

Stressed renters queueing to see a tiny unit on Saturday found it looked very different from the online ad. Housing groups have vowed to make renters rights an issue at the next NSW election.

<strong>Exclusive:</strong> Regions bear the brunt of triple-digit rent increases as waves of tree-changers rush into communities

A NSW government plan would see it take a share of your new home in exchange for help getting into the market. Housing advocates and mortgage brokers want to know more.