By Alesha Capone
The median weekly rent in traditionally affordable suburbs such as Werribee and Hoppers Crossing has risen by almost 25 per cent across a five-year period, according to new data.
The Department of Health and Human Services last week released its Rental Report for the December quarter of last year, which showed the median weekly rent in Werribee and Hoppers Crossing during the quarter was $360.
In comparison, in December 2013, the median weekly rent in Werribee and Hoppers Crossing was $290.
From December 2013 to December last year, Werribee and Hoppers Crossing experienced the third-highest rise in median weekly rents in metropolitan Melbourne (Thornbury topped the list with a 29.2 per rise).
Also in the west, Melton placed fifth on the list, with median weekly rents rising 22.2 per cent across five years, from $270 to $330.
Seddon and Yarraville placed ninth, with median weekly rents rising by 20.8 per cent, from $385 to $465.
Tenants Victoria policy officer Natalie Rutherford said the sharp rise in rents in fringe areas increased the levels of housing stress experienced by vulnerable families.
“A family with two children receiving Newstart, an income of $793, and renting a three-bedroom house in Keilor pays more than 44 per cent of their income just to put a roof over their heads,” she said.
“Affordable private housing is hard to find, badly maintained and expensive to heat.”
A report released by The Northern and Western Homelessness Networks earlier this year found that the homelessness service system is experiencing an increased demand for emergency accommodation.
It found that increasing rates of homelessness were linked to Melbourne’s housing crisis, particularly to the severe and growing lack of affordable housing.
The report stated this had led to an increase in the number of people seeking help.
The report stated that of the 24,828 people who identified as homeless in Victoria on census night in 2016, 41 per cent were recorded as living in Melbourne’s north and west, including 730 Wyndham residents.
