Timaru’s Housing Challenge – What Needs to Change?

By Chris Thomas, Manager, Age Concern South Canterbury

Housing in Timaru continues to be a significant issue. Rising house prices, rental shortages, and an increasing number of people who are struggling to find stable, affordable housing mean we need smarter policies.

An increasing number of retirees don’t own homes.  For many reasons they don’t have enough savings, putting pressure on social services.

Many older people Timaru find themselves without enough savings for a secure retirement, often due to circumstances beyond their control.  This affects older women most.

Rising living costs, unexpected health expenses, and the increasing price of housing mean that many people struggle to put money aside during their working years. Plus, there have been changes in employment patterns—much more casual or part-time work, job losses, or careers with lower wages—have left an increasing number of retirees without substantial superannuation or personal savings.

For those who do not own their homes, high rental costs quickly eat into their limited incomes, leaving little room for emergencies, a treat for their grandchildren or day-to-day essentials.

So, we see many seniors reliant on government support, community organizations, and social services just to meet basic needs like housing, healthcare, and food. Without action to improve affordable housing and somehow encourage better financial security earlier in life, the strain on social services will only continue to grow.

The housing situation is driven by rising property prices and rental costs making it increasingly difficult for people, especially seniors, to secure affordable, suitable housing. At the same time, the supply of new homes is not keeping up with demand, particularly when it comes to smaller, accessible housing options suited for retirees. For those who rent, the market is unstable, with frequent rent increases and the constant risk of losing their homes, creating uncertainty for many older residents.

In January, tenancy laws were changed to allow landlords to end periodic tenancies without giving a specific reason, if they provide 90 days’ notice. While this gives landlords more flexibility, it can be devastating for older renters who may suddenly find themselves without a home and with limited alternatives.

To address our housing challenges, development must align with our aging population to prevent shortages and keep homes accessible and affordable for everyone in the community.  We need an increase in the supply of retirement-friendly homes and some innovation around encouraging home sharing (“senior flatting”). We need better rental protections for our older residents.  And for the long term we need smarter policies around interest rates and retirement savings to help ensure people are financially prepared for later life while also keeping housing costs in check.

At Age Concern South Canterbury, we see the impact of the housing crisis every day. Timaru needs a fresh approach—one that prioritises secure, affordable homes for all. Let’s work towards real solutions for our community.