July 10, 2022
The Housing Affordability crisis in Australia reflects the situation where the growth in house prices in Australia’s major cities have vastly exceeded the growth in personal income, making housing ownership an...
THE NEW
Australian Dream
Rethinking our homes and cities to solve the housing crisis
This is a story about how home ownership became unattainable for many and how by rethinking housing, the Australian Dream may once again be possible for future generations.
Sergio Famiano, an urban enthusiast and practitioner, explores the history of the Australian Dream of home ownership—from its humble beginnings in colonial Australia to the current status symbol and national obsession we know today; from post-war paradise to suburban sprawl; from new family homes affordable on a single income to million dollar housing in most major cities.
The New Australian Dream explores the mounting health, environmental and economic ‘shadows’ that are spreading with the growth and cost of suburban ‘paradise’. As issues, such as the demographic time-bomb and changing economic conditions, develop and loom in our future, so too does the realisation that property may not be ‘as safe as bricks and mortar’.
But hope is offered through an alternative vision for the Australian Dream—through rethinking housing, urban design, transport, and government policy.
By reimagining the Australian Dream, we can make housing affordable for ourselves and for future generations.
Sergio Famiano has spent over a quarter of a century working in the Town Planning and Development Industry in Perth, Western Australia, leading key transformational projects, and the sustainable development of Town Centres. He is an expert in urban rejuvenation, urban design, town centre development and housing affordability.
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"The best book on the Australian Dream of Home ownership in the market"
About the author
Sergio Famiano has spent over a quarter of a century working in the Town Planning and Development Industry in Perth, Western Australia, leading key transformational projects for the State land developer, and the sustainable development of Town Centres in new and existing urban environments. He has spent much of his career at the forefront of implementing change in the planning and development of Perth, applying ‘New Urbanist’ and ‘Transit Oriented Development’ principles, and focusing away from car dominated planning and design. He has an avid interest in Urban Rejuvenation, Urban Design, Town Centre development, and Housing Affordability.
Quote
Home ownership is a human right and it is a travesty that our young can no longer afford a home of their own’ - Sergio Famiano
‘The New Australian Dream is a timely reminder of the enormity of the housing affordability crisis gripping Australia and why it is important that it captures the imagination of the community and policy makers so we can return the dream to future generations’
‘A frank look at how housing became unaffordable in Australia and what we need to do to change this – makes you sit up and listen’
‘A look at Australia’s love affair with housing and how the dream has become a nightmare for many – there is hope for the future if we sit up and listen to the recommendations’
‘A book for anybody how loves the Australian Dream of home ownership’
Testimonials
Sergio Shares His Wealth of Knowledge
For prospective Australian home owners, especially Perth home owners, this is the book for you! Sergio shares his wealth of knowledge regarding housing and how Australia needs to reimagine the "Australian Dream" to better cater for the demographic it is meant to be serving. Although the suburbia housing style undoubtedly has implications on physical health, the BMI is not the best indicator of this as it has been widely disproven. Great first book overall!
January 13, 2023