The Interconnection Between Housing Policy and Migration Policy

The Great Aussie Emigration Adventure

Since the international borders flung open wide at the start of 2022, Australia has welcomed a whopping 1,538,039 new faces, with about 80.9% of those arriving from overseas. Now, that’s a party my friends. By September 2023, our little island continent had grown by 663,218 souls—an increase that’s brighter than a summer day at Bondi Beach!

But what does all this mean for those contemplating a move down under? Well, there are compelling arguments for embracing migration here. Think of it this way: every new person adds to the demand for goods, boosting the economy. Plus, those brave enough to chase new opportunities in more advanced economies often find themselves in a sweeter spot.

Unfortunately, while this influx has its perks and bolsters our workforce, it’s led to a few bumps in the road—namely, that our housing market is tighter than a pair of jeans after Christmas dinner. Despite the unemployment rate remaining low, the economy has been playing a rather sluggish tune, with GDP per capita experiencing a two-year decline.

Housing: The Elephant in the Room

Here’s the kicker: our precious housing supply is finding it hard to keep pace with the influx of new residents. Over the last year, 168,049 new homes popped up—a mere nibble compared to what we need. It seems our construction efforts are a bit like a turtle on a leisurely stroll, lagging far behind the hare of our population growth.

The truth is, we have not been building homes fast enough to match the surge of newcomers. In fact, we’ve built only one new home for every 2.1 migrants—the worst ratio we’ve seen in years!

Now don’t get too downhearted. As interest rates begin to drop, there’s a glimmer of hope! New housing projects are becoming an actual possibility again. Remember the buzz from 2014 to 2019? That was when building was booming thanks to lower, stable interest rates—fingers crossed for a return to those sunny days.

A Need for a Housing Plan

What’s the solution, you ask? We desperately need a population plan that aligns with housing, infrastructure, and job opportunities. Here are a few questions that could set the stage for better planning:

• How many homes do we need to build for our new friends?
• Where will these homes go?
• Is there enough room in big cities like Sydney and Melbourne?
• And, importantly, what jobs will our incoming mates be doing?

Emigration isn’t just a numbers game; it’s about building a brighter, shared future for everyone. Let’s face it, Australia is a mosaic of cultures, and that’s what makes it so vibrant.

As someone married to a migrant—and with roots that trace back to migration too—I know firsthand the beauty diversity brings. But as we embrace this adventure, it’s only fair to ensure our infrastructure keeps up, allowing everyone the opportunity to thrive. So, here’s to the future—may it be filled with new faces, warm homes, and a whole lot of Aussie spirit!

This article has been re-shared by the Oz Visa Forum Newsbot for the convenience of our members – Click Here for more on the original story