Housing

What is Housing?

Your living situation – where you live, what your home is like, how much it costs, and how well it supports your daily life.

Why Housing matters

Largest household expense – Households spending more than 30% of income on housing report significantly lower life satisfaction. Nearly half of renters (49.7%) and 23.7% of homeowners are cost-burdened i i.
Affects everything else – Housing quality shapes physical health, mental health, relationships, and children’s development. Cost burdens are linked to material hardship, lower cognitive achievement, and strained social relationships i.
Backdrop to every other domain – Your housing situation determines your commute, your neighbourhood relationships, your financial flexibility, and your daily comfort. It is the foundation on which other life areas rest.

Housing Values

Your approach to housing depends on what aspects you value most. This guide balances three core values, with percentages indicating the relative weight given to each in our recommendations.

Comfort (40%)

The physical quality of your living environment – space, light, temperature, noise levels, maintenance condition, and overall pleasantness.
Having enough room for your activities, a well-functioning home that does not create daily friction, and an environment that supports rest and productivity.
People who prioritise this value invest in the quality of their living space.

Affordability (35%)

Keeping housing costs at a sustainable level that preserves financial flexibility for other life goals.
Mortgage or rent payments, utilities, maintenance, insurance, and taxes remaining below burdensome thresholds.
Those who prioritise this value make housing decisions that protect their broader financial health.

Location (25%)

Proximity to work, social connections, amenities, nature, and the quality of the surrounding neighbourhood.
Commute time, access to services, safety, community character, and the fit between your lifestyle needs and what the location provides.
People who prioritise this value choose where to live based on how the location supports their daily life.

Benchmarks by Level

Housing satisfaction is shaped by a complex interplay of affordability, quality, and location. Nearly half of renters and a quarter of homeowners spend more than 30% of income on housing. Homeowners report higher social wellbeing than renters on average, though the effect varies by mortgage status. Stronger welfare systems and social housing policies can mediate the negative effects of high housing costs. Achieving genuinely comfortable, affordable housing in a good location simultaneously is increasingly rare.

Level 1: Awareness

Comfort: Can articulate what aspects of your current living space work well and what causes daily friction i

Affordability: Know your total housing costs as a percentage of income, including all associated expenses i

Location: Understand how your current location affects your daily life – commute time, access to amenities, and social connections i

Level 2: Foundation (80th percentile capability)

Comfort: Housing that meets all basic needs – adequate space, good repair, comfortable temperature, reasonable noise levels, and no significant maintenance issues i

Affordability: Total housing costs below 30% of gross income, with a financial buffer for unexpected repairs or rent increases i

Location: Commute under 30 minutes, convenient access to grocery shops and healthcare, and a neighbourhood where you feel safe i

Level 3: Proficiency (95th percentile capability)

Comfort: Housing that actively enhances daily life – well-designed spaces for work, rest, and socialising, natural light, outdoor access, and no deferred maintenance i

Affordability: Housing costs below 25% of income with equity building or savings accumulation, and financial resilience to absorb housing-related shocks i

Location: Walkable access to daily needs, strong community connections in the neighbourhood, and a location that supports your lifestyle priorities i

Level 4: Excellence (99th percentile capability)

Comfort: Housing tailored to your specific needs and preferences – purpose-designed spaces, excellent energy efficiency, low maintenance burden, and an environment that actively supports wellbeing i

Affordability: Housing costs below 20% of income, substantial equity or assets, and the financial flexibility to relocate or upgrade without stress i

Location: An ideal location for your life stage and priorities – excellent schools if relevant, strong community, beautiful surroundings, and minimal compromise on accessibility i

Level 5: Mastery (99.9th percentile capability)

Comfort: A home that is genuinely exceptional – architecturally thoughtful, perfectly maintained, and designed around your daily rhythms and needs with no compromise on quality i

Affordability: Housing represents a negligible financial burden, with full ownership or minimal costs relative to income, and complete financial freedom regarding housing decisions i

Location: Optimal location with no meaningful compromise – the neighbourhood, community, natural environment, and accessibility all align with your values and lifestyle i

Levels

Level 1: Awareness (under development)
Level 2: Foundation (under development)
Level 3: Proficiency (under development)
Level 4: Excellence (under development)
Level 5: Mastery (under development)

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