Rental Affordability Snapshot 2026
In 2026, safe, appropriate, and affordable housing remains out of reach for too many South Australians. The latest Rental Affordability Snapshot reveals a worsening housing crisis, with declining affordability across Adelaide and surrounding regions.
Rising rents and ongoing housing pressure are placing increasing strain on low- and moderate-income households, particularly families, older Australians, essential workers, students and young people, and people with disability.
As housing costs continue to outpace incomes, more South Australians are being pushed into housing insecurity, financial hardship, and homelessness.
Without urgent investment, policy reform, and stronger collaboration, the crisis will only deepen.
At Believe Housing Australia, we are committed to driving solutions through advocacy, affordable housing growth, and supporting vulnerable South Australians to access safe and secure homes.
Explore the key findings below and follow our advocacy for real housing solutions.
Rental affordability remains out of reach
In 2026, 0% of advertised rental properties were affordable for people receiving Youth Allowance, JobSeeker, or the Aged Pension.
Those in need are the most affected
Families and individuals are being forced into housing stress, overcrowding, or homelessness.
Rental prices continue to rise
There is a persistent and widening gap between rental costs and household incomes, continuing to erode affordability across the state.
Rents have risen more than twice as fast as incomes since 2020
Investment in housing creates long-term benefits—economic, health, educational, and social.
Coordinating government priorities
