Paradise lost? Rental housing insecurity and the lived experiences of amenity migrants in Cairns, Australia

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper explores the housing experiences of amenity migrants, focusing on the challenges of rental housing insecurity in Cairns, Australia. Through episodic narrative interviews with a purposive sample of 27 amenity migrants who moved to Cairns between 2016 and 2021, we explore how housing insecurity affects their life satisfaction and consider the implications for urban planning and policy. Our findings reveal that many amenity migrants in Cairns face significant challenges in navigating the rental housing market, which negatively impacts their sense of belonging and overall life satisfaction. Participants reported struggles with rental housing affordability, suitability, and availability, which often led to compromises in their living conditions and a sense of frustration and uncertainty. These challenges were found to have significant impacts on their mental well-being, social integration, and overall quality of life. Importantly, the study reveals that housing insecurity can prompt amenity migrants to consider re-migration as a coping strategy, as they seek more stable and affordable housing options elsewhere. We argue that planners must take a proactive role in addressing housing challenges in regional cities like Cairns, through the development of inclusive and responsive housing policies that cater to the diverse needs of amenity migrants. Practitioner Points Rental housing security is a key factor in amenity migrants’ satisfaction and integration into new communities. Without affordable, adequate, and appropriate rental housing, amenity migrants choose to ‘re-migrate’ to new destinations, seeking better prospects. Responsive urban planning that addresses the diversity and affordability of rental housing helps meet the needs of amenity migrants.