Rental Affordability Snapshot 2025

Each year Anglicare Australia releases the Rental Affordability Snapshot; a national analysis of how affordable rent is for low incomes households.

Given what we know about housing affordability, it isn’t surprising the snapshot was grim. In fact, the Executive Officer of Anglicare Australia Kasy Chambers says “Australia’s housing crises is the worst it’s ever been”.

What did the NT snapshot look like?

The NT data showed 370 private rentals available, with only a fraction of those being affordable for low income households:
• 3 rentals (0.8%) were affordable for households on income support
• 29 rentals (7.8%) were affordable for households on a full-time minimum wage

“A lack of affordable housing is a key contributor to worsening social issues, significantly impacting the wellbeing of Territorians. High crime, poor mental health, school truancy, domestic violence, unemployment and poor physical health are well known examples of the ill effects of unstable and unsafe living” said Anglicare NT CEO Craig Kelly.

Less rentals available this year than in previous years

This year there was a marked drop in the number of rentals advertised in the NT on the snapshot collection day. In 2024, 578 rentals were advertised compared to 370 in 2025. The drop in advertised properties needs further investigation, but could indicate a tighter housing market or a change in the way private rentals are advertised. The data undoubtedly shows the private rental market is not able to meet demand for affordable and suitable homes in the NT.

“With half of the Territory’s population estimated to be living in rentals, these figures are deeply concerning, and will negatively influence worsening social issues throughout the Northern Territory” said Craig.

How can we fix this situation?

“These results show that housing cannot be left to the private sector. We’re calling on the next parliament to ensure that rentals are affordable by building rentals people can afford” said Kasy Chambers. “Instead of spending billions on tax breaks for investors, the Government should be building the housing we need.”

At Anglicare NT we believe that not only are more affordable houses needed, but support to find and keep homes is an important part of the solution. Through programs and services, we support people to find temporary accommodation, keep their homes, and offer early intervention to prevent homelessness.

Snapshots in full

Anglicare NT 2025 Rental Affordability Snapshot (local information)

Anglicare Australia 2025 Rental Affordability Snapshot (national information)