City West Housing welcomes the housing measures announced in the 2026 Federal Budget as positive steps toward improving housing affordability and a fairer housing system.
The Budget recognises that addressing Australia’s housing challenges requires more than increasing overall supply. It also requires targeted action to ensure more people can access safe, secure and affordable homes.
Measures including housing tax reform, changes to support superannuation investment in affordable housing, and assistance for younger people seeking community housing are important initiatives that can help strengthen the housing system over the long term.
Demand for affordable housing in Sydney continues to grow. Anglicare’s Rental Affordability Snapshot 2026 found that only around 1% of private rental properties in greater Sydney were affordable for people earning the minimum wage without causing housing stress.
The next priority is sustained and predictable investment in social and affordable housing so community housing providers can continue delivering homes at the scale required.
City West Housing’s own affordable housing waitlist for has more than doubled in less than five years, highlighting the increasing need for affordable rental housing close to jobs, transport and essential services.
Community housing is essential infrastructure that delivers long-term social and economic benefits for residents and the broader community. It supports workforce participation, health, education and stronger communities through access to stable housing.
With continued investment and policy certainty, community housing providers can deliver more affordable homes and help ensure Sydney remains a diverse, inclusive and economically productive city for future generations.
