New AHURI research reveals children living in private rentals move almost every two years and struggle more with overcrowding, affordability and quality than other children.
Research lead Amy Clair said children’s housing experiences are often invisible, and better data systems could help foster the housing conditions that allow children to thrive.
“However, Australia’s data is fragmented – creating blind spots that hinder early intervention, response targeting and accountable policy.”
The starkest insights from existing data included how children’s housing experiences differ fundamentally from previous generations, and the disadvantage those in rentals faced.
“By age 14, a child in a private rental had moved an average of six times. By comparison, those in households that owned their home had moved a little over twice on average, and children in social housing had moved just over four times,” Associate Professor Clair said.
Roughly 18% of households with children in private rentals were late on a housing payment, compared to about 7% of households with a mortgage. Around 10% of children in private rentals experienced overcrowding, compared to 3–4% of children in owner-occupied homes.
“Results were concerning, as housing impacts mattered most during developmental transitions, such as starting school, when disruption can compound other disadvantages,” Associate Professor Clair said.
Housing condition problems – including major repair needs and thermal discomfort – remained concentrated among lower-income households and First Nations families.