Tenure Type
Description
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released information about the tenure characteristics of occupied private dwellings as revealed through the last Census. The information is based on the count of dwellings and shows whether the dwellings counted are being purchased, rented (privately or through a government authority) or owned by their occupants. The information is derived from answers to specific questions on the Census form which ask if the dwellings counted are owned, being purchased or being rented by respondents.
Quality and Applicability
Tenure data can provide insight into the population characteristics of an area as well as the role the area plays in the housing market. For example, a high concentration of home owners may indicate a settled area of mature families and couples who have ‘aged in place’. A high concentration of homes being purchased may indicate an area of younger families or couples entering the housing market and who may be vulnerable to housing stress if on lower incomes. A high concentration of renters may indicate an area attractive to specific housing markets (e.g. singles) with those on lower incomes vulnerable to shifts in rental costs.
Coverage
Tenure information is available for local government areas, statistical local areas, suburbs, and collector districts.
Collector districts are the smallest spatial units under the Australian Standard Geographical Classification system used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Collector districts enable the collection and dissemination of Census data. Statistical local areas fit into the boundaries of incorporated bodies of local government (i.e. local government areas) when aggregated.
Reference Date
Tenure information refers to 8 August 2006, the most recent Census.
Release Date
The Australian Bureau of Statistics progressively released all standard data sets based on the 2006 Census during 2007.
Access
Tenure information is contained in the Basic Community Profile Cat. No. 2001.0 2006 Table B32. Select the ‘Community Profiles’ function to search for an area by name then open its Basic Community Profile.
Cost and Format
Australian Bureau of Statistics data sets are downloadable free of charge in excel spreadsheet format.
More Information
Stay informed about all Census products by regularly visiting the Australian Bureau of Statistics and checking product release news/dates. Or subscribe to the free email notification service by sending an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and typing ‘add to Census email’ in the subject field. Or call the National Information and Referral Service 1300 135 070. This service can also provide assistance in navigating the Census website.
Additional Data Source(s)
Information about the tenure characteristics of occupied private dwellings is available through profile.id, an online product designed to support local government planning and accessible through council websites. Go to your council website, search for community profiles, and click on ‘How Do We Live/Are We Owners, Renters or Buyers’ to generate reports based on the last Census. Reports are available for local government areas and smaller areas (e.g. suburbs). More on profile.id.
The Spatial Analysis and Research Branch, Department of Planning and Community Development, is currently preparing statistical information derived from the most recent Census. Statistical information will be available in a number of products including Know Your Area and Suburbs in Time. For updates, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , telephone (03) 9637 9441, write to PO Box 500 East Melbourne Vic 3002, or visit Spatial Analysis Research Branch and view product and release dates.