Having a place to call home
Canberrans have access to secure, suitable and affordable housing throughout their lives.
The housing measures on the dashboard rely on two main data sources: the Australian Census (published every six years) and the ABS Survey of Income and Housing (SIH). In relation to the SIH, the ABS announced in July 2025 that it would not be releasing data from its 2023-24 survey, due to data collection issues. This leaves the most recent SIH data on the dashboard being for 2019-20. The ABS expects results from the 2025-26 SIH to be published from mid-2027.
As part of developing the next ACT Housing Strategy, to be released in 2028, the ACT Government will investigate opportunities to strengthen housing data. We will be giving consideration to the ongoing suitability of current measures and data sources across the dashboard ahead of any further update.
Wellbeing Indicators
A secure and suitable home is fundamental to so many parts of life including:
- basic shelter
- making it easier to engage in school and work
- helping us maintain good health and friendships
- providing comfort, security and happiness.
When speaking to the community about the Wellbeing Framework people picked housing as an area important to wellbeing. International research confirms the connection between housing satisfaction and life satisfaction.
Access to secure, suitable, and affordable housing improves social inclusion, health, wealth, and welfare. It guards against future issues like climate change, economic changes, and health challenges.
Most Canberrans have access to suitable and affordable housing. But there are people on low incomes and in groups with more vulnerable circumstances who find it harder to access these benefits.
