LINKS TO OTHER DIMENSIONS OF PROGRESS

Housing conditions are influenced by many factors, but most particularly the economic circumstances of households. Unmet housing needs generally reflect low levels of socioeconomic wellbeing and are often associated with other areas of concern such as poor health and crime. As housing affordability is the capacity of households to meet their current and future housing costs, there is a strong link between housing issues and economic resources. The value of Australia’s housing stock is a key component of national wealth.

The extent of homelessness is an associated issue of concern. However, housing shortages are not usually the primary cause of homelessness, as it is often related to other social issues such as mental health, long-term unemployment, and family and relationship breakdowns, rather than with aspects of housing per se, and is therefore discussed in the commentary on Family, community and social cohesion.