Industry experts are calling for “targeted policy interventions” following a report Logan Central’s rental conditions are the second worst in the country.
Renters in Logan Central suffer the second most severe rental pain in the country, according to the latest Suburb Trends report.
The list was compiled using a “rental pain index” based on suburb data like rental increases, affordability and vacancy rates, and then scored on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 signifying the worst conditions for renters.
Logan Central’s score was 100.
“Areas like this have witnessed significant average 12-month rental increases, ranging from 7 per cent to 15 per cent, coupled with high percentages of median household income dedicated to rent,” Suburbtrends founder Kent Lardner said.
The report shows rental affordability across suburbs, including Logan Central, exceed 35 per cent of the areas’ median income, which is “far beyond the threshold typically associated with financial strain”.
“This is not an isolated issue; it’s a nationwide problem that requires immediate and comprehensive policy action,” Mr Lardner said.
Bethania and Waterford were listed on the index as the seventh worst in the country.
Kingston and Woodridge were last year named in Suburbtrends’ top five rental pain suburbs but have since dropped to 15 and 16 position.
Towards the other end of the index are Carbrook and Cornubia, which were given the best scores in Logan – 38.
“This data underscores the critical nature of the rental crisis in Australia, with substantial portions of renters in specific suburb groups facing severe hardship,” Mr Lardner said.
“The extremely low vacancy rates in these areas exacerbate the situation, limiting housing options for renters.
“The disparities highlighted in this analysis necessitate urgent and targeted policy interventions.”
He said addressing rental affordability, controlling rent hikes and increasing housing supply at a local level were imperative to alleviating rental stress.
“… particularly in the most affected suburb groups,” Mr Lardner said.
“The need for nuanced, region-specific strategies is paramount to ensure that all Australians have access to affordable and sustainable housing.
