Divorce Complexities: Rising House Prices & Nesting

0:00In Adelaide, it's March 12th, and here's what is going on. Rising house prices across Australia are making divorce far more complicated for many couples. With big mortgages and high costs, people often can't afford to split into two households. Women face extra hurdles, as time away from work for childcare leaves them with lower incomes and weaker loan approvals. This has led some to stay married on paper, or live separately under one roof. Meanwhile, nesting setups are gaining traction, where kids stay in the family home while parents rotate in and out of a nearby rental. Lawyers report more couples delaying splits because supporting two homes is out of reach. Family law experts stress-proving separate lives to courts if sharing a house. Those affected feel deep frustration and shame as renters, especially later in life. Many women in their 40s and 50s worry about homelessness or lender-age limits on 30-year loans. High legal fees, sometimes $200,000, drain savings, forcing some to dip into superannuation or accept low settlements.

1:03Experts highlight the stress on children losing their home, urging parents to stay nearby for smooth transitions. Short-term nesting helps stability, but privacy issues arise long-term. One psychologist notes, happier parents in modest rentals, often ease kids' adjustment. Calls grow for policy fixes like first home buyer grants for single parents, stamp duty relief, and counting rental history in mortgage checks. Shared ownership models, like in the United Kingdom, could offer security without full buys. Officials are urged to support those falling due cracks post-divorce. This story is shared with support from our sponsor. What is cooler than cool? A pillow that plays your sound. S-O-L-I-S-O-L-Pillow.com