Suburbs in Perth’s central area and south-east are experiencing a high concentration of international students, with a larger percentage of rentals being taken up by this group compared to the national average. The City of Perth has the highest concentration of international students, with 14.4% of rental properties being occupied by those on temporary student visas. Following closely behind are the City of Canning and the Town of Victoria Park, which is home to Curtin University, at 11.9% and 8.7% respectively. Nationally, only 13 local governments had a higher percentage of international students in rentals above 10%.
Despite the high percentage of international students renting in these areas, the Property Council of Australia argues that they have been unfairly blamed for the rental crisis in Western Australia. Student Accommodation Council executive director Torie Brown emphasizes that there are actually more domestic students in rental homes than international ones, and points out that blaming a single cohort for rental market issues is not the solution. Brown highlights other factors such as the rise of smaller and solo-person households, intrastate migration, and the trend of converting second bedrooms into home offices as additional contributors to the rental supply and affordability challenges.
Furthermore, Brown notes that Perth is facing a significant undersupply of student accommodation, which is making it even more difficult for international students to find housing in the private rental market. This undersupply exacerbates the existing challenges in the rental market and intensifies competition among renters. Brown argues that instead of blaming international students, a comprehensive examination of the various factors driving up rent prices and reducing the availability of rental homes is necessary. She suggests that addressing the broader spectrum of issues in the rental market is crucial for finding long-term solutions to the housing crisis in Perth.
The Property Council of Australia’s research highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing the rental crisis in Perth, particularly in areas with a high concentration of international students. Rather than scapegoating international students, it is important to consider the complex interplay of factors contributing to the housing affordability challenges in the city. By identifying and addressing the underlying issues such as undersupply of student accommodation and changing household dynamics, policymakers and stakeholders can develop more effective strategies to improve the rental market situation in Perth.
In conclusion, the Property Council of Australia’s research sheds light on the unique challenges facing international students in the rental market in Perth. The high concentration of international students in certain suburbs, coupled with a shortage of student accommodation, has created significant obstacles for this group in finding affordable housing. By reframing the narrative around the rental crisis and taking a holistic approach to addressing the various factors driving up rent prices, stakeholders can work towards creating a more equitable and sustainable rental market in Perth. Ultimately, collaboration among government, industry, and educational institutions will be essential in finding effective solutions to improve housing affordability for all renters in the city.
