Thousands of social housing residents across Sydney are facing increasing risks from extreme heat, with concerns growing that some homes are not designed or equipped to protect vulnerable communities as temperatures continue to rise.
A growing body of research and community evidence has highlighted that many social housing properties can become dangerously hot during summer, particularly older buildings with poor insulation, limited ventilation and inadequate cooling options. Experts warn that without stronger standards, residents may continue to experience unsafe living conditions during heatwaves.
People living in social housing are among those most vulnerable to heat stress because many households include older residents, people with chronic health conditions, people with disabilities and families who may struggle with rising electricity costs. During extreme heat events, these residents can face serious health risks when indoor temperatures remain high for long periods.
Research examining social housing across Greater Sydney found that some homes regularly exceeded recommended safe indoor temperature levels during summer. The study highlighted that certain properties experienced prolonged periods of excessive heat, with some homes recording indoor temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius for many hours.
Community advocates say heat should be treated as a major housing safety issue, similar to other risks such as fire and flooding. They argue that housing standards need to improve so that homes are not only affordable but also safe and resilient in a changing climate.
Experts have called for improvements including better insulation, improved shading, energy-efficient cooling systems, greener neighbourhoods and stronger building requirements for new social housing developments. They say these measures could reduce health risks while also lowering energy costs for residents.
Western Sydney communities are particularly affected because many suburbs experience higher temperatures due to urban heat effects, fewer trees and large areas of concrete and infrastructure that absorb and retain heat. During heatwaves, indoor temperatures can remain high even after outdoor conditions begin to cool.
Housing advocates have warned that residents often have limited ability to make improvements themselves. Renters and social housing tenants may not be able to install cooling equipment, modify buildings or make structural changes without approval, leaving them dependent on government and housing providers to improve conditions.
The NSW Government has previously announced measures aimed at improving housing resilience, including insulation upgrades in social housing and urban greening programs designed to reduce heat impacts. However, advocates say the scale of the challenge requires faster action as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.
The issue has renewed debate about the future design of Australian housing. Climate experts argue that homes built today must consider future weather conditions, ensuring residents can remain safe during increasingly hotter summers.
For Sydney’s social housing communities, the challenge is not only about surviving extreme heat but ensuring every resident has access to a home that provides basic comfort, safety and protection from climate risks.
