Priority List Surges Amidst Rising Rents
A recent report by Homelessness NSW, titled ‘Housing Code Red’, reveals that the number of households on the priority social housing waitlist in New South Wales has surged to 12,478, more than doubling from 5,800 in June 2021.
The priority list includes individuals who are already homeless, escaping domestic violence, or residing in accommodation that does not meet basic safety standards. This alarming increase highlights the urgent need for action.
Wagga Wagga experienced the highest increase, with its priority waitlist rising by 500% since 2021. The area also saw a 41% increase in median rents, adding to the pressure on local residents.
Other regional areas like Griffith and Tamworth are not far behind. Griffith recorded a 450% rise in its priority list, while Tamworth saw a 330% increase. Both regions also faced rent hikes of 31%.
The western suburbs of Sydney are significantly affected. Camden’s waitlist grew by 494%, Bankstown’s by 405%, and Fairfield’s by 175%. These numbers reflect the growing housing crisis in urban areas.
According to Homelessness NSW CEO Dominique Rowe, “The dramatic increase in people on the priority waitlist is hugely concerning. People who are extremely vulnerable are being forced into desperate circumstances including homelessness due to the severe lack of social housing in our state.”
Rising Rents and Housing Shortages
The report indicates that average rent costs in NSW have increased by 48%, or $220 per week, from 2020 to 2025. This surge is forcing many out of the private rental market and increasing the demand for social housing.
Dominique Rowe attributes the crisis to decades of neglect by successive governments. She pointed out that social housing comprises just 4.6% of the state’s housing stock, while nearly 12% of households need it.
To address this, Rowe called on the state government to target 10% of all homes as social housing and to invest in expanding the social housing stock. Immediate funding increases for overwhelmed service providers are also necessary.
NSW spends only $37 per capita on homelessness services, the lowest in Australia. “This is not acceptable,” Rowe emphasised, urging for immediate action.
In 2024-25, more than 6,500 clients of NSW homelessness services cited housing affordability stress as their main reason for seeking help. This figure rose from 5.1% in 2014-15 to 9.8% in 2024-25.
68,247 households are waiting for social housing in NSW. These figures underscore the urgent need for expanded housing solutions and immediate government action.
Homelessness NSW continues to advocate for increased investment in social housing and enhanced support for those affected by the housing crisis. The organisation calls for a comprehensive plan to address the root causes of homelessness and housing insecurity in the state.
