NT Rental Affordability Snapshot 2026: Territory renters on low incomes locked out of private market

Each year Anglicare NT teams up with Anglicare Australia and other Anglicare’s around Australia to test how affordable the private rental market is. This year the results are particularly grim.

The NT Rental Affordability Snapshot taken 14-15 March 2026 showed:

  • Only 257 private rentals were advertised across the NT- down from 1,409 in 2019.
  • 0% of listings were affordable and appropriate for: a single person on JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Disability Support Pension or Age Pension, or a single person on minimum wage.
  • 0% of rentals were affordable for a single parent receiving Parenting Payment/JobSeeker, or for an out-of-work couple with children.
  • Just 2% of rentals were affordable and appropriate for a couple on the Age Pension (4 properties).
  • Even for a couple with children where both adults work full-time on minimum wage, only 5% of listings were affordable and appropriate (13 properties).
  • The average advertised rent rose to $713.10 (up from $662.50 in 2025 and $596.70 in 2023).

Anglicare NT’s Rental Affordability Snapshot 2026 data comes from a national snapshot conducted by our peak body Anglicare Australia.

“This research paints a clear picture; the private housing market does not service people on low income. Not only have the number of private rentals on the market diminished, but prices keep rising. It’s a horrible situation, poor people are being pushed into housing stress, overcrowding and homelessness.” Craig Kelly CEO Anglicare NT.

“This rental affordability snapshot shows us clearly why we have a homeless crisis. People can’t afford to rent, and our public and social housing stocks are too low. These two factors create a well-worn pathway to homelessness.”

Anglicare NT is calling for:

  • Raise JobSeeker and related payments so people are not trapped below the poverty line and can afford basic living costs and housing.
  • More social and affordable homes in the NT to address the severe shortage and long waitlists.
  • Fix housing tax concessions so incentives better support affordable housing outcomes.

Safe, affordable housing is a right, not a privilege. It’s time to rebalance the system so everyone can live with dignity and hope for the future.