Australia is in the midst of a housing crisis that is no longer confined to those on the margins. A 2025 supporter survey was designed to document the lived experience of people affected by Australia’s housing crisis, ranging from renters, homeowners, people in social housing and those without stable housing.

This report presents the findings of the survey and the themes that emerge from respondents’ experiences. The experiences offer evidence of what needs to change and a roadmap for action. The report shows how housing insecurity intersects with income inadequacy, energy hardship and declining housing quality. It explores the decisions people make to stay housed, and the toll these decisions take on their health and wellbeing. It also documents the clear and consistent reforms respondents want to see, from minimum rental standards to limits on rent increases and a major reinvestment in social housing.

Key findings

• 50% reduced their energy use including heating and cooling in the past year to cope with housing costs.
• Many respondents avoided the doctor or appointments (42%), reduced driving (38%), relied on credit cards or ‘buy now pay later’ (30%), skipped meals (28%) and sought help from food banks or charities (20%).
• 37% had gone without essentials such as food or medical care to afford energy bills.
• 60% said they were experiencing housing stress or insecurity.
• Half said the condition of their home has either made them or someone in their household sick (23%) or they were unsure (27%).