The concentration of international students in the suburbs of Perth’s central area and south-east is significantly higher than the national average, with 14.4 percent of rental properties in the City of Perth being occupied by temporary student visa holders. Following closely behind are the City of Canning and Town of Victoria Park, which are also popular among international students attending Curtin University. This trend is reflective of the growing number of international students choosing to study in Western Australia.
Despite the significant presence of international students in the rental market, the Property Council of Australia asserts that these students are unfairly being blamed for the current rental crisis in WA. According to Student Accommodation Council executive director Torie Brown, international students are not the sole contributors to the shortage and rising costs of rental housing. Factors such as the increase in smaller households, intrastate migration, and the conversion of second bedrooms into home offices are all impacting the availability and affordability of rental properties.
Nationally, only 13 local governments have rental properties with a higher percentage of international students than 10 percent, while the majority have less than 1 percent. Brown emphasizes that the focus should be on addressing the broader issues affecting the rental market as a whole, rather than singling out international students. She points out that domestic students also make up a significant portion of the rental population, and the solution to the housing shortage requires a multifaceted approach.
One of the main challenges exacerbating the rental crisis in Perth is the significant undersupply of student accommodation. This shortage not only affects international students but also impacts domestic students and other renters looking for affordable housing options. The lack of purpose-built student accommodation adds strain to the private rental market and contributes to the overall increase in rental prices.
The rise of solo-person households and the trend of repurposing second bedrooms into home offices are further straining the rental market in Perth. These factors, combined with the influx of international students and domestic renters, create a competitive environment for securing rental properties. Without adequate supply and affordable housing options, those in need of rental accommodation – both students and non-students alike – are facing challenges in finding suitable housing in the current market.
In conclusion, the concentration of international students in Perth’s central and south-eastern suburbs is significantly higher than the national average, with the City of Perth leading the way. While international students have been unfairly blamed for the rental crisis, the real issues affecting the rental market are varied and complex. Addressing the shortage of student accommodation, increasing housing supply, and implementing measures to support all renters – including students and non-students – are crucial steps towards improving the affordability and availability of rental properties in Perth.
