Perth mum's desperate move reveals the dire state of Australia's housing crisis as rents skyrocket across the country

•  Woman forced to live in barn amid housing crisis
•  In Sydney, Melbourne and Perth rents have risen by over 10%
• READ MORE:  Sydney suburbs become homeless hotspots as rents climb

A single mum is renovating an old barn to live in with her daughter after giving up on finding a rental amid Australia’s housing crisis.

The Perth mother was forced to get creative as rising rents and a housing supply shortage drive renters out of the market.

With just one income, she was attending open homes knowing her chances of securing a place were slim.

A Perth mum (pictured) is renovating an old barn after giving up on finding a rental

‘I’ve been renting for 10 years and am a very good tenant on paper,’ she told 7NEWS.

‘But I have no chance of getting a rental in this market — it’s pointless.’

In Perth, the median weekly rental price is now $630 after an annual increase of 13%, while rents have gone up 8% nationwide.

Quickly running out of options and fearing she would be homeless, the mother took the opportunity to move into the barn.

With the help of some friends, she is turning it into a safe and livable space, but there is still a long way to go.

The barn has been cleaned out but still needs a kitchen and plumbing

The mother is optimistic about moving into the property, where she will have horses to tend to.

‘I’m really excited to have our own space. It’s a massive relief and an incredible feeling.’

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by a friend to help her pay for trades and services.

According to CoreLogic, the median weekly rent in Australia increased to $601 in January ranging from $745 per week in Sydney to $535 per week in Hobart.

The only markets to see a decline in rent values through 2023 were Canberra and Hobart, at -1.9% and -3.5% respectively.

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