Housing
A Guide to Renting a Home
A Guide to Buying a Home
A Guide to Renting a Home
Research and lived experience both reveal that the Australian housing market is tougher than it has ever been. Even in this challenging market, many single mothers are able to create stable home environments for themselves and their children. From sharing, to renting, to social housing or purchasing, there are many pathways. We hope this information helps you find yours.
Private rental
This is possibly not your first time trying to rent privately, but if you have not been having much luck, follow these tips from single mothers and see if you can improve your chances.
Share Housing
Share housing is choosing to live in a shared space with others, such as other single mothers who understand the highs and lows of raising children. It’s a way to combine affordability with a sense of community.
Public, Social, and Community Housing
These used to be different kinds of housing and despite still having some measures of difference they are largely amalgamated into one list. This is true around Australia.
Emergency Housing
Homelessness is not just sleeping rough or in your car. It can include facing eviction because you don’t have money for rent, couch surfing, living in a tent or more.
A Guide to Buying a Home in Victoria
Embarking on the journey to homeownership can feel a bit overwhelming or unachievable.
Here, we identify some resources, grants, concessions and programs to assist you to work towards this goal.
Please note: all this information is primarily focused on Victoria. The principal ideas and approaches will work elsewhere but you will need to find your local equivalent.
As difficult as the current housing market is, we know single mothers who have recently bought their own homes. It may be possible for you too.
Purchasing and Owning Property: Where to Begin
Pretty much everyone who has ever bought a house will tell you they learned a lot. They will also say it's most useful to learn these things before they purchase. Learning about serious mistakes after purchase leads to more challenges.
Different Ways to Buy a Home
It's helpful to understand different purchasing methods available and how they work. If you have got this far, you are well on your way and we encourage you to learn more about these approaches.
Settlement Day
After buying your home, the settlement process ensures the legal transfer of ownership. You’ll need to prepare for ongoing responsibilities.
Co-ownership Models
Buying a property with trusted family members, friends, or other single mothers can reduce costs and ease the financial burden. A co-ownership agreement legally outlines ownership shares, responsibilities, and exit strategies.
Rent to Buy
Rent-to-buy is a flexible housing model designed to help individuals who might struggle to enter the property market through traditional means, such as saving for a large deposit or meeting strict borrowing criteria.
Protecting your investment and your future
Owning a home as a single mother is a significant achievement, and it’s essential to safeguard it from potential claims by future partners. Understanding your legal rights and taking proactive steps can help protect your property.
Buying a Home After Separation: Starting Fresh
Purchasing a home post-separation can be both an emotional and financial challenge. Understanding your rights and options is critical to ensuring a stable future for you and your children.
Less Usual Pathways
Explore housing co-ops, a less usual pathway to home ownership in Australia. Member-run, they offer affordable living, government or private funding, and span the country while encouraging active community participation.
Housing for Single Mothers Map
To get an understanding of all the housing options for single mothers, take a look at this sector-wide Miro Board.
“As a ‘rentvester’, I learned to see my investment property as a stepping stone. It’s not where we live now, but it’s building a future for us.”
“Escaping DV into emergency housing was terrifying, but I realised it’s okay to take small steps forward. Stability will come with time.”
“When I bought my first home, I didn’t realise how much ongoing costs like rates and insurance would add up. Budgeting for these early made it easier.”
“Public housing has its challenges, but staying patient and following up on maintenance requests helped me advocate for my kids and our home.”
“Having an emergency fund—even a small one—helped me stay afloat when repairs came up. Planning makes all the difference.”
“Living in shared housing taught me to set clear boundaries upfront. A written agreement saved us from so many misunderstandings.”
“If you’re building, check the builder’s insurance and financial history first. A bit of research could save you from heartbreak later.”
“When applying for rentals, I found that including a short, friendly cover letter introducing my family made a huge difference in standing out.”
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Bond loans and rental assistance programs gave me the chance to start fresh when I thought I couldn’t.”
“I learned the hard way to always get legal advice before signing a lease or contract. Understanding your rights can save you so much stress later.”
CSMC’s Housing resources were made possible thanks to:
