Figtree residents speak out on rental crisis as vacancies hit record lows

Figtree residents are sounding an alarm about the suburb's rental squeeze, as vacancy rates across the Illawarra have plummeted to just 0.8 per cent—the lowest in five years—pushing weekly rents beyond $500 for modest three-bedroom homes.

The Real Estate Institute of NSW data shows median rents in Figtree have climbed 34 per cent since 2023, outpacing wage growth and forcing long-term residents and new arrivals alike to reconsider their housing options. Local community workers at the Wollongong Community Legal Centre report a spike in inquiries about tenancy rights and bond disputes.

"We're seeing families who've lived here for generations now facing choices they never thought they'd have to make," said one local support worker at the Figtree Neighbourhood Centre on Princes Highway. The centre's coordinator noted they've fielded over 120 housing-related calls since March alone—double the same period last year.

The pressures reflect broader Illawarra trends. The University of Wollongong's 2026 regional development report flagged housing affordability as a critical barrier to attracting and retaining skilled workers in sectors including green steel manufacturing and renewable energy at Port Kembla. BlueScope Steel's transition to sustainable production is driving demand for technical workers, yet housing accessibility remains a significant hurdle.

Locals point to competing factors: the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Development Fund has spurred growth in amenities and services, making suburbs like Figtree increasingly attractive. Yet supply hasn't kept pace. The NSW Department of Planning data shows only 847 new dwellings were completed across the Illawarra in 2025—well below estimated demand of 1,200 annually.

"Young professionals working at the steelworks or at UOW can't afford to stay here anymore," observed a long-time Figtree business owner. "We're losing the community fabric when people have to move to Oak Flats or Shellharbour just to make rent work."

The impacts extend beyond individual households. Local retailers along Princes Highway and Crown Street report reduced foot traffic as residents stretch budgets. Service organisations including Centacare and Anglicare are fielding increased requests for emergency housing assistance.

Housing advocates are calling on state and local government to prioritise affordable housing targets in the Illawarra Local Strategic Planning Statement. The Wollongong City Council's draft housing strategy promises 15,000 new homes by 2041, but community members emphasise the need for affordable-by-design provisions rather than market-rate development alone.

"It's not just about numbers," the support worker reflected. "It's about whether Figtree remains a neighbourhood where ordinary people can actually live."

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