Sometimes looking at international comparators is a good way to get a fresh perspective on what is going on at home.

I recently spent some time in Australia at a series of events organised by the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) - the equivalent of the National Housing Federation in England.  Here are a few reflections.

Australia has a housing crisis that looks very much like ours, particularly in its major cities.  First time buyers have been squeezed out, private rents have risen fast and there are growing numbers in housing need.