Rents are up 52% in six years: about $245 a week more
Cotality's research director Tim Lawless says rents have risen 52% over the past six years. That adds roughly $245 a week to the typical rent, or close to $12,700 a year.
Then and now
Calculated by MateHaus from Cotality's figures: a 52% rise worth about $245 a week.
| Six years ago | 471 |
| Now | 716 |
In numbers
Why rents climbed so far
Several things pushed rents up over the last six years: a shortage of homes for rent, a rush of demand as people returned and arrived after border closures, and building that didn't keep up. Higher interest rates also raised costs for many landlords.
Wages have not kept pace with that rise, which is why Cotality says renters are reaching the limit of what they can pay.
Ways renters are adjusting
- Moving into share housing to split rent and bills.
- Choosing a room a little further out with good transport.
- Staying longer in one place to avoid moving costs and new-lease increases.
- Comparing bills-included rooms to make budgeting easier.
Is it slowing?
Yes. Lawless says renters are likely approaching a ceiling on what they can pay, and recent rises are the smallest since early 2025. Sharing is one of the main ways renters are adjusting.
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Figures are from the sources above at the time of writing. This article is general information, not financial or legal advice.