Work will start soon on construction of three one-bedroom units in Shepparton to help meet the increasing demand for singles’ accommodation.
BeyondHousing CEO, Celia Adams, said nearly 50% of the 3600 people who sought help from BeyondHousing last year were single.
“People who are living alone, on a low income or Newstart allowance find it almost impossible to pay market rent and still have money to live on,” Ms Adams said.
The Department of Health and Human Services March quarter 2017 Rental Report shows that in regional Victoria, the proportion of affordable rental lettings reached their lowest levels since March 2000 when the Report first began.
The report shows that the “availability of affordable housing has generally declined from a high of 82.7 per cent in the September quarter 2002. It has now reached a new low of 54.3 per cent of dwellings affordable in the March quarter 2017”.
Ms Adams said the report finds that singles on Newstart receive $268 per week and with affordable weekly rent considered to be $150, there were only 127 one-bedroom properties in regional Victoria that met this benchmark and only 35 of these were available in the Goulburn-Ovens-Murray region in the March quarter.
“Our aim is to continue to add to the available singles housing throughout our region and we are pleased to be making a start,” she said.
BeyondHousing received funding from the Victorian Property Fund on the approval of the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming & Liquor Regulation. Ms Adams said local company, Diverse Builders proposed a design with good use of space, a high energy rating and solar and battery storage.
“We believe having a home is a human right and good design and latest technology such as solar and battery storage will help make these units even more affordable for future tenants.”