New study demonstrates clear business case for investing in public, social and affordable housing. Businesses urged to contribute to the national conversation.

The Give Me Shelter study authored by SGS Economics and Planning for Housing All Australians shows that if no action is taken on Australia's housing shortfall, the additional cost to Australia in foregone benefits and additional social outlays will reach $25 billion annually by 2051 (in 2021 dollars). The estimated benefits of providing adequate housing reach almost $110 billion.

The study found that decades of underinvestment by governments in "non-market" housing has led to social housing numbers falling to record lows — just four per cent of national housing stock, compared with six per cent in 1996. Over the same time period, the nation's population has risen 25 per cent, placing added stress on an already stretched housing market.

The cost-benefit ratio of investing in more affordable housing is double the cost outlay, which means that for every $1 invested the taxpayer would on average receive $2 in benefits said Dr Marcus Spiller SGS Principal & Partner and lead report author.