Sustainable as a basis of affordable? Understanding the affordability ‘crisis’ in Australian housing

There is much talk of a housing affordability crisis in Australia, accompanied by a sense of a lack of sustainability of the current stock and new buildings. I discuss the notions of housing affordability and sustainability in the current Australian context, to explain why indeed there is an affordability problem and how it is connected to that of sustainability. I then consider how this situation has come about, and what directions could be taken in addressing it. It emerges that the crucial point is the need for a cultural change in terms of expectations and approaches in achieving affordability and sustainability.