PSA CPSU NSW housing report reveals a crisis

  29 May 2026

A landmark survey of more than 5000 PSA CPSU NSW members reveals housing stress is widespread, deepening and no longer confined to low‑income households. Nor is homelessness a reality only for people out of work.

A report compiled from the survey, Housing Affordability Survey and Policy Recommendations 2026, shows that for many members, finding a place to live has become increasingly unaffordable and home ownership is becoming more unattainable for tens of thousands of workers, who deliver essential services to the community.

The PSA CPSU NSW surveyed 5172 of its members across the state about housing affordability between Tuesday 24 February 2026 and Wednesday 3 April 2026 to inform its housing policy. Survey participants who completed the survey online represent more than 10 per cent of the union’s 42,000 members.

More than half of respondents are homeowners – 51 per cent – have a mortgage and 10.6 per cent own their homes outright. Those in private rentals represent 37 per cent. There are 45 people living in public housing or community housing.

Almost two-thirds of respondents are in housing stress, paying between 31 per cent to 60 per cent or more of their income on housing. Almost a quarter are women aged 45 and older, including many approaching retirement.

The survey shows that a disproportionate number of women aged 45 and older face a lifetime of renting and a risk of homelessness in retirement. A common refrain from respondents is that they are only a rent or interest rate rise away from losing their homes.

Housing unaffordability is driving long commutes, missed career opportunities, and trade-offs between housing and paying for food, medical and dental care.

Homes NSW staff reported severe stress from their inability to secure housing for clients while facing housing insecurity themselves.

The lack of affordable housing raises risks for workforce stability, health, safety and service delivery across the NSW public sector.

Despite having jobs, four people report they were homeless at the time of the survey.

The survey also reveals that 62 PSA CPSU NSW members are living in shared accommodation with an abusive partner. That 47 of them said they cannot afford to leave is a confronting indictment of a housing crisis trapping people in unsafe situations.