Previous assumptions that home ownership would be ubiquitous amongst older Australians and a fourth pillar of voluntary income savings is now being challenged. The results of this survey, census data and other published reports indicate a growing number of older renters and home owners with mortgages into their 60s and beyond are facing housing and financial instability in their older years.

The COTA NSW 2017 survey looked at work, income, and housing security and how they work together over the life course to determine a person’s economic security in later life. It revealed that people are doubly disadvantaged by a lack of secure housing and adequate income in later life.