Michael Janda, ABC's business editor, delves into Australia’s housing crisis, dissecting the harsh reality for first-time buyers grappling with skyrocketing prices. He highlights the disparity between investor success and the struggles of new home seekers. The conversation addresses the transformation of housing into a commodity, the impact of rising household debt, and the implications for future generations. Janda also considers potential solutions to boost housing supply and alleviate the mounting pressures faced by prospective homeowners.

Michael Janda, the ABC business editor, sheds light on Australia’s ongoing housing crisis and its dire implications for the future. He discusses how skyrocketing home prices trap Australians in debt, delay retirement, and reshape family planning. The emotional toll on young couples struggling to find affordable homes is highlighted, alongside the growing inequality in homeownership. Janda argues that these housing woes not only disrupt individual lives but also threaten the nation’s economic stability and intergenerational equity.

Michael Janda, a business editor at ABC with a focus on real estate, dives into the puzzling issue of vacant homes in Australia. He discusses alarming statistics highlighting empty properties during a housing crisis. The conversation covers the motivations behind land banking and the frustration from affected communities. Janda debates the potential implementation of a vacancy tax as a solution, weighing the benefits against challenges of enforcement and the broader implications for property rights and government intervention.