The issue of housing affordability for international students in Australia has been a topic of debate recently. The Student Accommodation Council has spoken out against blaming students for the housing crisis, stating that they occupy just 4 percent of the private rental market. This equates to approximately 120,000 rental properties and nearly 500,000 rooms across the country.
Anu Dowling, CEO of Skate Australia Management and chair of the Student Accommodation Council, emphasized that international students typically reside in single dwellings or shared apartments, not in suburban homes meant for families. Therefore, blaming them for the housing crisis is both unfounded and unfair. She pointed to a report commissioned by the Council, titled “Myth Busting Report,” which provided the 4 percent figure. Many of these student accommodations are located near prestigious universities in cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
During a Senate inquiry, Dowling argued that instead of solely focusing on demand, the government should prioritize increasing housing supply. She highlighted the significant contribution international students make to the broader economy through their spending. This evidence was presented to the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee, which was examining the impact of the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024. The proposed bill aims to cap international student numbers.
Labor Treasurer Jim Chalmers also addressed the issue in his budget speech, stating that the increase in international student enrolments has not been matched by a rise in student housing supply. This imbalance puts pressure on prices and rents, especially in cities and suburbs, making it harder for everyone to find housing.
However, the hearing also heard from Council members that local interest in hosting international students was at an all-time high. They argued that properly managed hosted accommodation not only promotes greater assimilation for international students but also fosters diversity and multiculturalism. They believe this solution would gain broad support from the community, government, and industry.
David Bycroft, founder of the Australian Homestead Network, which provides homestays for international students, acknowledged that the demand from these students adds pressure to the domestic rental market, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. However, he disagreed with the notion of cutting student numbers and instead proposed constructing more purpose-built student accommodation as a long-term solution. Bycroft noted that the lead time for such projects is significant and suggested utilizing the estimated 13 million spare rooms in Australian homes as a viable short-term fix to relieve pressure on the rental market.
In conclusion, blaming international students for the housing crisis in Australia is unfair and inaccurate. The Student Accommodation Council, along with various experts, argues that the focus should be on increasing housing supply rather than limiting student numbers. While there are challenges to be addressed, such as the significant lead time for construction projects, exploring short-term solutions like utilizing spare rooms in existing homes can help alleviate the pressure on the rental market. It is crucial to consider the broader economic contribution that international students make and find sustainable solutions that benefit both students and the community as a whole.
