Sarah Herrmann, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

Regional South Australia’s rental market is bucking national trends.

October’s PropTrack Market Insight Report revealed regional SA had the highest rental vacancy rate, offering renters more choice than a year ago.

This contrasts with Regional Australia Institute’s findings: two in five city dwellers now want to move regionally — double the number from 18 months before.

A national survey showed 40 per cent of metropolitan residents are considering a regional move, up from 20 per cent in May 2023.

Despite this increased demand, the RAI reported that regional building approvals and rental vacancy rates decreased last year, although regional recruitment difficulties (especially in health care) improved.

Housing Industry Association said planning systems were failing regional Australia.

HIA’s Mike Hermon noted this was despite 28 per cent of Australians already living outside major cities, a figure projected to rise as more people get priced out of living in metro areas.

“Housing shortages in capital cities are even worse in regional towns,” he said.

“Builders see massive pent-up demand, but planning systems were struggling to handle current approvals, let alone the significant housing increase Australia needed.

“House approvals are taking longer than ever to get through local councils, exacerbating Aust ralia’s worsening housing and rental shortages — this is even more pronounced in regional Australia,” he said.

Mr Hermon cited three key issues hindering regional housing: access to shovel-ready land, infrastructure investment for new estates, and council staff shortages delaying approvals.

Bold leadership from all levels of government was needed to address regional issues and enable growth, he said.

This challenge persists despite the Local Government Association’s Regional Housing Toolkit, designed to help councils unlock housing opportunities.

LGA South Australia president Dean Johnson said the toolkit would support councils in accessing funding and guidance.

“We have a unique opportunity to collaborate and build thriving communities, grow the economy and improve local services,” he said.

Mr Johnson also highlighted the importance of regional development for various sectors including energy, mining, tourism, education, and healthcare.

Granny flats to the rescue

Planning law changes allowing larger granny flats will improve accessibility and create more housing options, SA Housing Minister Nick Champion says.

The maximum floor area has increased from 60 to 70 square metres and councils can now approve self-contained granny flats with kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries.

The government says it has addressed technical definitions that previously led to planning approval denials.

These changes follow public and council consultation via the Ancillary Accommodation and Student Accommodation Definitions Review Code Amendment.

This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 3 December 2024.