A forum involving key Bendigo real estate agencies this week has highlighted the escalating housing crisis in regional Victoria.
The forum was organised by The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad and The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley and Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs Tim McCurdy.
Real estate agents said increasing numbers of ordinary people were struggling as it became harder and harder to find appropriate housing. Increases in State Government taxes and regulations have had a disastrous impact as rental providers sell their houses in droves.
The agents said in the last 18 months, many rental providers were “pulling the exit cord” and selling their rental properties.
One agent reported he had “seen the fear in people’s eyes” when they were told they would have to leave their rental property because it was being sold. They think: “If this goes on the market, where will I live?’” he said.
Another agent said there was such a shortage of housing he “did not know where people are living”.
Ms Broad said other issues discussed included: increased land tax bills; the cost of compliance for older houses; delays in VCAT; a lack of infrastructure for new developments and lengthy delays for new builds.
“The Government has introduced 60 new or increased taxes and 30 of these are on property,” Ms Broad said.
Mr McCurdy said the roundtable confirmed just how disastrous Labor’s policies have been.
“We are seeing costs skyrocket, which are being passed on to the tenant, driving up rent,” he said.
“Mum and Dad investors are being hit the hardest and can simply no longer afford to own an investment property. Developers are also stuck in the middle with delays meaning there are fewer houses available to tenants.
“It is clear that Labor’s rhetoric is the opposite to the outcomes their policies are having.”
“The Allan Labor Government can’t manage money and can’t manage our vitally important housing market,” Ms Broad said.
Media Contacts:
Tim McCurdy – Noah Barling 0411 427 064 noah.barling@parliament.vic.gov.au
Gaelle Broad – Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
