Perth mum’s desperate move reveals the dire state of Australia’s housing crisis as rents skyrocket across the country

A single mother is renovating an old shed to live in with her daughter after giving up looking for a place to rent during Australia’s housing crisis.

The Perth mum was forced to get creative due to rising rents and a housing shortage is driving renters out of the market.

With only one income, she attended open houses, knowing her chances of getting a place were slim.

“I have been renting for ten years and on paper I am a very good tenant,” she says 7NEWS.

‘But I have no chance of getting a rental property in this market; there is no point.’

In Perth, the average weekly rent is now $630, following a 13% annual increase, while rents have risen 8% nationally.

Quickly running out of options and fearing she would become homeless, the mother took the opportunity to move into the barn.

With the help of some friends, she is making it a safe and livable space, but there is still a long way to go.

The barn has been cleaned but still needs a kitchen and sanitary facilities

The mother is optimistic about moving to the property, where she will have horses to care for.

“I’m really excited to have our own space. It’s a huge relief and an incredible feeling.”

a GoFundMe campaign was set up by a friend to help her pay for transactions and services.

According to KernLogicthe average weekly rent in Australia rose to $601 in January, ranging from $745 per week in Sydney to $535 per week in Hobart.

The only markets where rental values ​​fell through 2023 were Canberra and Hobart, at -1.9% and -3.5% respectively.