The 2026 Rental Affordability Snapshot has revealed a stark reality for many young people in the Hunter.
Anglicare Australia’s annual snapshot released today (Thursday 30 April), surveyed 1,933 private rentals across the Newcastle, Hunter, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast and Mid Coast regions.
It found that:
* No properties (0%) were affordable for a young person on JobSeeker or the Disability Support Pension.
* 37 rentals (1.9%) were affordable for a single person on minimum wage.
Anglicare member agency, Newcastle Anglican, provides critical housing support to the local community through a range of services, including Samaritans Student Accommodation.
Since 2012, the student accommodation has been providing safe, supportive, and independent housing for young students aged between 16 and 24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Despite filling a critical housing need for the community, it receives no government funding. It is entirely funded by the local community through Samaritans Green Light Appeal.
Current resident Anna was just 16 when she was left without a safe place to live.
She spent weeks couch surfing and some nights sleeping outside.
After being connected with Samaritans Student Accommodation, Anna finally has a safe and stable place where she is empowered to succeed.
“I don’t know what I’d do without this place. I don’t know where I’d be or who I’d be,” she said.
Find out more about Samaritans Green Light Appeal here.
You can view Anglicare Australia’s full Rental Affordability Snapshot here.