Mail Online
Aussie dad exposes infuriating problem with the rental market
Arlo Enemark, 42, shared a video on Tuesday showing the inner-Melbourne home where he and his wife used to live.
759
2k
62
34k
Call for Empty Property Tax Amidst Australia's Housing Crisis
Melbourne, Australia – A recent video circulating widely online has ignited fresh debate and concern over Australia's persistent housing crisis, particularly the contentious issue of vacant properties. In the video, a local resident, known online as BossFightPR, shares a deeply personal and illustrative account while walking with a baby past his former family home. He explains that in 2023, his family was compelled to vacate the residence after it was sold to property developers who sought "vacant possession." However, instead of occupying or developing the property, the developers reportedly left the house empty for a staggering 18 months before placing it back on the market. "We were booted out because the new owners wanted vacant possession," he stated, conveying a palpable sense of injustice. "They then proceeded to leave the place empty for 18 months." The speaker's narrative resonates with many Australians grappling with rising rents and limited housing options. He strongly criticized the current system, asserting that property developers often treat housing as purely "speculatory assets" rather than recognizing their inherent function as homes or commercial spaces. "They're not just purely speculative assets; they're actually functional properties and buildings that provide homes and locations for businesses," he emphasized. To combat this, BossFightPR passionately advocated for the immediate introduction of an "empty property tax" for both residential and commercial properties. He argued that such a tax would make it financially unviable for entities to engage in land banking or to leave properties unoccupied, thereby freeing up much-needed housing stock and stimulating economic activity in commercial areas. "It's just crazy that there are people sleeping in their cars while developers can just buy places and leave them empty," he added, highlighting the severe social implications of property vacancy in a nation facing significant housing challenges. The call for an empty property tax reflects a growing public demand for policy interventions to address housing affordability and ensure that properties contribute to community well-being.
