Peel region has most affordable housing in Perth says new study

The 2016 Housing Affordability study, which included analysis of 110,799 established houses and units privately sold from 2013 to last year, also found the region had the lowest proportion of homes affordable only to high-income households on more than $103,000 gross per year.

Compiled by the Housing Authority, REIWA and Shelter WA, the report showed the 7266 sales in Peel were lowest in volume but fairly evenly distributed across income categories.

The region had the second highest proportion of two-bedroom sales, with 19 per cent of sales in the Shire of Murray for two bedrooms or less properties and 13 per cent of sales in the City of Mandurah. The suburbs with the most affordable homes were Mandurah, Greenfields, Halls Head and Dudley Park.

In contrast, sales across Perth were skewed towards the higher end of the market, with more than 80 per cent of sold homes having at least three bedrooms.

Just 9 per cent were affordable to households on lower incomes, who represented 43 per cent of the population, while 57 per cent were affordable only to high-income households.

Housing Minister Brendon Grylls said while the property market had softened, improving availability for some, residents on the lowest incomes were still finding it extremely difficult to find housing.

Shelter WA executive officer Chantal Roberts said the limited housing options for households on a low to moderate income forced many to rent.

“There are many households, including key workers, that are trapped in our insecure private rental market due to a lack of diverse and affordable options, particularly in locations close to jobs and services,” she said.

“A range of varied and affordable housing is needed across all areas to support the development of strong and diverse communities.”

In the report, REIWA said housing affordability and the need for diversity were key policy issues on which it consistently advocated.