Damning new data shows the NSW government is spending less on social housing than in 2018, prompting calls for urgent investment as the housing crisis worsens.
A new report by the Productivity Commission finds NSW spent $1.57 billion on social housing in 2025, down from $1.69 billion in 2018.
Latest figures put the number of social homes in NSW at 159,598 in 2024, a tiny increase of only 9,490 since 2016 which falls well behind population growth.
The proportion of social housing in NSW has dropped from 4.9% in 2016, to 4.6% of total NSW housing stock in 2021.
Vee Blackwood, Director of Policy, Advocacy & Research at Homelessness NSW, said the figures show the state is not investing at the level required to address the housing crisis.
“These figures make it crystal clear that NSW is failing on social housing,” Ms Blackwood said.
“More people are sleeping rough, seeking help and struggling to keep a roof over their head due to sky-high rental prices. Meanwhile, social housing waitlists are growing by the day as demand surges.
“To reduce homelessness and housing stress, and relieve pressure on crisis services, we must grow social housing by 10,000 homes a year until 10% of homes are social housing.
“Without stronger investment, the gap between need and availability will only widen.”
Key facts:
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Government expenditure on social housing is lower than 2018 levels
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NSW had only 159,598 social housing dwellings in 2024, up from 150,108 in 2016
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Social housing fell from 4.9% of all dwellings in 2016 to 4.6% in 2021
Homelessness NSW is also calling on the NSW Government to invest more in homelessness services.
Contact details:
Charlie Moore: 0452 606 171
