A new survey of residents across Melbourne’s east has reiterated concern about housing affordability and household finances, strengthening calls for action ahead of Victoria’s State Election.
The research, commissioned by the Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance (EAHA), confirms that housing affordability is one of the region’s most significant challenges.
Almost two-thirds of residents (65%) said they were highly concerned about housing affordability in their local area, with close to one in three (29%) describing themselves as extremely concerned.
The survey also highlights the personal impact of the housing crisis. Nearly half of respondents (44%) said they have family or friends struggling to afford to buy a home, 40% know someone struggling to afford rent or mortgage payments, and one in three know someone who cannot find an affordable rental property.
The research also found housing affordability is affecting local workforces, with 53% of residents saying housing affordability is significantly or somewhat pushing essential workers out of their local area. Among households with an essential worker, that figure rises to 60%.
EAHA represents Knox, Manningham and Yarra Ranges councils. Together, the three municipalities face a shortfall of more than 6,800 social and affordable homes.
EAHA spokesperson and Manningham Councillor Peter Bain said the survey findings demonstrate that housing affordability is significantly affecting households across Melbourne’s east.
“People are telling us they are under pressure, and the impacts are extending well beyond housing,” he said.
“More than half of residents said their household is managing but feeling the strain of housing costs, while 15% of households are struggling to meet housing costs or experiencing severe financial stress.”
The survey found many residents are making difficult sacrifices to keep up with housing and everyday expenses. Roughly half are spending less on groceries (48%), and buying cheaper food than they would prefer (45%), while 37% are drawing on savings to cover daily costs. Close to one in four residents (22%) have delayed medical treatment or prescriptions because of rising housing costs.
“Communities understand that housing growth needs to be supported by investment in roads, public transport, health services and community infrastructure,” Cr Bain said.
“People want more housing options, but they also want confidence that growing communities will remain liveable and connected.”
Results found strong support for government action to increase the supply of social and affordable housing, including support for setting specific social and affordable housing targets.
This highlights the need for investment and policy change to ensure communities across the east of Melbourne have access to housing that is secure, affordable and appropriate to their needs.
EAHA has developed its 2026 Victorian Election Advocacy Platform, which calls on the Victorian Government to establish clear affordable housing targets, create a dedicated infrastructure funding initiative to support housing growth, exempt council-owned land used for community benefit from Windfall Gains Tax, and ensure the Land Coordinator-General delivers housing outcomes in Melbourne’s east.
“Local government has an important role to play, but councils cannot solve the housing crisis alone,” Cr Bain said.
“We need stronger policy settings, better funding mechanisms and practical partnerships with the State Government to ensure more people can access safe and affordable housing while protecting the liveability of our communities.”
Methodology: The survey was conducted online by Redge between 25 August and 3 September 2026. A total of 520 residents aged 18 and over from Knox, Maroondah, Whitehorse, Monash, Manningham, Yarra Ranges, Boroondara, Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong completed the survey, and 508 responses were retained after quality control checks. Results are weighted to the ABS 2021 Census age and sex profile of the ten council areas. The margin of error on the total sample is ±4.7% at the 95% confidence level.
About EAHA: The Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance (EAHA) brings together Knox City Council, Manningham City Council and Yarra Ranges Council to advocate for practical solutions to Victoria’s housing crisis. EAHA’s 2026 Victorian Election Advocacy Platform calls for policy and funding reforms to increase affordable housing supply and support liveable communities across Melbourne’s east.
