For generations, the Australian dream has been defined by home ownership. The idea was simple: work hard, buy a home and you’ve created stability for yourself and your family.
But in 2025, that dream feels increasingly out of reach for many. For a growing number of Australians, secure housing is no longer a guarantee.
At VERTO, we see the reality of this every day. We hear from people who have done everything ‘right’. They’ve worked hard, saved diligently and been reliable tenants. Yet, they still find themselves facing housing insecurity.
The dream hasn’t disappeared, but it has changed shape. Secure housing in today’s world is about more than ownership. It’s about safety, stability and the ability to plan your life with confidence.
THE CHANGING FACE OF THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM
For older generations, buying a home was once a realistic milestone in your twenties or thirties. That’s not the case anymore. Rising property prices have placed ownership out of reach for many young Australians, especially in the cities. Even in regional areas, where homes were once considered more affordable, prices have risen sharply in recent years.
This means more people are renting for longer, and in many cases, for life. Renting in itself is not the issue. When it becomes a problem is when leases are short, rents are unpredictable and tenants don’t have the security of knowing they can stay in their community long-term.
We often hear from young people who are making big sacrifices just to keep a roof over their heads. They might live far from their work or study, share a house with multiple flatmates well into their thirties or spend a huge proportion of their income on rent. These stories reflect a broader truth: secure housing is no longer simply about buying a home. It’s about having fair, stable options that allow people to plan for the future.
CHALLENGES FOR REGIONAL COMMUNITIES
In regional areas, the housing challenge takes on a different shape. During the pandemic, many Australians moved out of the cities and into the regions, chasing lifestyle and space. That was positive in some ways as regional economies benefited and communities grew. One of the downsides is that it placed huge pressure on housing supply. In many towns, rental vacancies have dropped to historic lows, pushing up rents and leaving local families struggling to find a place to live.
We’ve spoken to parents who have lived in the same community for years but are now facing eviction because the landlord wants to sell. They desperately want to stay close to schools, family and jobs, but there simply aren’t enough rentals available. We’ve also seen the impact on employers. Health services, trades and hospitality businesses all need staff, but if workers can’t find somewhere affordable to live, they won’t relocate. That creates a ripple effect that slows growth and puts pressure on local services.
Regional families are particularly vulnerable when a tenancy ends unexpectedly. In some cases, people have had to store their belongings and move between temporary accommodation because there was simply nothing available when their lease ran out. This inconvenience disrupts work, schooling and family stability.
These are the kinds of stories that often get lost behind the statistics, but they show why secure housing is so critical. It’s about keeping communities connected and ensuring people can continue to contribute to local life.
BUILDING SECURITY THROUGH SUPPORT
Secure housing in 2025 has to mean more than just the chance to buy a home one day. It must also mean stable, affordable rental options and fair treatment for tenants.
In New South Wales, rental reforms introduced this year are an important step in the right direction, offering more protection against no-grounds evictions and limiting how often rents can be increased. These measures provide much-needed certainty for tenants, while also supporting landlords who want long-term, reliable renters.
But policy reform alone won’t solve the problem. That’s why community-based support services are so vital. At VERTO, we run the Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy service across South West New South Wales. It’s a free and confidential service that helps renters understand their rights and responsibilities, negotiate with landlords or agents and, when needed, represent them at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
We see firsthand how empowering it can be when someone realises they don’t have to face these challenges alone. Whether it’s a single parent worried about a rent increase, an older person navigating a dispute or a young worker new to the rental market, having access to independent advice can make all the difference. It can prevent small issues from becoming crises and it gives people the confidence to advocate for themselves.
These supports are not just about solving problems in the moment. They’re about building long-term security by ensuring people feel safe, respected and informed in their housing choices.
A NEW VISION FOR THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM
Reimagining the Australian dream is about recognising that security can take many forms. For some, it will still mean buying a home. For others, it will mean renting long-term in a stable, supportive environment. At its core, the dream is about having a safe, affordable place to live and the confidence to plan your life around it.
At VERTO, we’re committed to walking alongside our communities on this journey. We’ll continue to advocate for balanced reforms, support tenants through advice and advocacy, and work with partners to strengthen housing security in regional New South Wales.
If you or someone you know is facing a tenancy issue, reach out to our Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy service. Our team is here to listen, provide guidance and help you navigate the system. You can contact us on 1300 483 786 or visit our website for more information.
