Housing groups shore up support for build-to-rent bill

A poll has found 79 per cent of Australians say there is a lack of affordable housing in their area. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

Housing organisations and independent politicians are urging the Senate to pass the build-to-rent bill as new research shows housing affordability is a priority for voters.

Almost eight in 10 Australians (79 per cent) say there is a lack of affordable housing in their area, with the issue charting as people's second highest concern, a YouGov poll for the Property Council of Australia has found.