The Rise of the Solo Dweller: What It Means for Housing
Australia’s housing narrative is shifting. While the 20th century was defined by families in the suburbs, the 21st is seeing a sharp rise in solo living. Over the two decades to 2021, single-person households grew by 62%, making them the fastest-growing household type in the country. Looking ahead, official forecasts indicate that by 2041, the majority of household growth will come from those without children—including singles and couples—rising by 1.9 million, compared to 1.2 million for family households with children (ABS Household Projections, 2023).
For developers and planners, this presents a clear signal: the demand for compact, well-located, low-maintenance housing—particularly 1- and 2-bedroom dwellings—is only going to grow. Key life milestones such as age 29, 54, and 59 are emerging as “decision points” where Australians are most likely to enter or exit relationships, reinforcing the need for diverse and flexible housing options across the lifecycle.
In the rental market, we’re also seeing more instances of two or three friends co-leasing 2–3 bedroom homes, or smaller family units pooling resources to secure a lease—further evidence of changing household composition and affordability pressures.
Key Stats:
- 62% increase in single-person households from 2001–2021 (ABS Census)
- 1.9 million additional child-free households projected by 2041 (ABS Household Projections)
- 25% of households were single-person in 2021 (ABS)
References:
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021). Census of Population and Housing.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2023). Household and Family Projections, Australia
