Recent Census data releases appear to show a number of local houses remain un-occupied.

2021 data released just last week showed over 600 dwellings in the Berri-Barmera area were empty, with over 720 in Loxton Waikerie also un-occupied.

Both of these areas were over the state average, with the Renmark-Paringa area the only local area to be under the state average however still had over 450 houses un-occupied.

This week SA Greens housing spokesperson Robert Simms MLC called for the state government to implement a vacant housing tax, similar to other states. Adding this would incentivise owners to either sell or rent their properties.

In Victoria, owners of vacant properties are taxed 1% of the capital value of the property if unoccupied for more than 6 months.

Image by Laney5569 from Pixabay