Translating housing affordability policies and planning reforms in housing stock: the missed opportunity for the Perth metropolitan region (WA)

Abstract

This paper examines the existing housing stock of the Perth metropolitan area (WA) in relation to the goals and aims set by the State housing affordability strategy, and specifically the related planning reforms. It will do so by analysing the data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on building activity, building approvals, housing finance and lots subdivision applications. The paper argues that housing policies are not translating into an overall growth of residential densities across the whole metropolitan region, but instead creating a polarised city made of affordable fringes of suburban landscapes and a central, dense core located in the ‘City’ and its adjoining areas.