The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria's (RACV) inaugural My Home survey, conducted with input from 7,000 Victorian residents, has delved into home safety, rental experiences, and expectations for future residential standards.
The survey aimed to gauge the sentiments of Victorians regarding their living situations, emphasising the importance of safety, the state of rental accommodations, and sustainability in future housing developments.
A standout finding from the survey is the overwhelming emphasis on the importance of safety within the home.
A whopping 92% of participants identified safety as the most critical aspect of their living environment, signalling a clear priority over factors like housing affordability, transport accessibility, and proximity to services. This result underscores a universal concern for personal and family safety across the Victorian population.
The survey also highlighted specific challenges faced by renters, particularly regarding the timeliness of repairs and maintenance, suggesting a gap in safety standards for rental properties. The delays in addressing urgent repairs not only expose renters to potential hazards but also reflect a broader issue of oversight and responsiveness among landlords.
Interestingly, older residents, despite feeling generally safe in their homes, were identified as more prone to safety incidents. This demographic's perception of safety contrasts with their actual vulnerability, particularly to falls, which constitute a significant cause of hospital visits among the elderly in Victoria.
Looking towards the future, participants expressed a strong expectation for homes to incorporate sustainable energy sources, with a notable preference for solar power. Despite the enthusiasm for eco-friendly solutions, financial constraints were highlighted as a significant barrier to adopting green technologies. This insight points to a need for more accessible and affordable pathways to sustainable living for Victorians.
Finally, the survey uncovered a proactive stance towards home maintenance among Victorians, with a majority recognising the need for greater diligence in ensuring their homes are safe.
However, practical barriers such as cost, time, and the challenge of finding reliable assistance have limited their ability to carry out necessary improvements.
“Around eight in 10 people have faced barriers to getting home safety maintenance done,” said RACV head of trades Kieran Davies. “The main barriers to completing home safety maintenance jobs are cost, time, and finding help to get the work done.”
Aside from focusing on home safety, RACV stresses the significance of prioritising safety for active transport users.
