Rental affordability has hit a historic low in Brisbane as stagnant wages, low vacancy rates and climbing interest rates price people out of places to live. 

The latest rental affordability index shows Australians are feeling the pinch after affordability dropped by up to 14 per cent in some parts of the country in the past 12 months.

Brisbane an 11 per cent decrease, the largest decline of any capital city.

It means the average household looking to rent at the median rate in Brisbane faces paying up to 27 per cent of its total income.

The report considered areas to the north-west, such as Samford Valley, the worst in Brisbane, categorising them as ‘unaffordable’ to ‘severely unaffordable’ for renters.

Image: SGS Economics and Planning

It’s prompted calls for the federal government to develop a national rental reform framework.

National Shelter chief executive Emma Greenhalgh said rent increases force people to move away from their families and friends.

It comes after Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe warned rents are likely to increase next year as a result of the tight market.

Image: Getty