Like many Australians, I was a ‘rent-vestor’. No one should have to do what I did just to secure housing

‘Under-45s have been forced repeatedly to find loopholes and cracks to navigate an irrational system that was set up for the big end of town,’ writes Neha Madhok about housing in Australia. Photograph: James Ross/AAP

Until recently, I was a landlord. And I support Labor’s proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax.

A decade ago, I booked consultations with every type of Australian bank. Even though I had $70,000 (my entire life’s savings) and a permanent full-time job, like many others at the time, I couldn’t secure a loan. The lender was clear: with this deposit, I would be lucky to afford anything in Sydney. The lender suggested I ask my parents, as though everyone can just ask their parents for an easy $30,000 top up to their deposit.