acoss says 50,000 need a house, page-17

Strong demand for homes in Melbourne. Demand seems to be growing every day.

ASYLUM seekers are being put up in taxpayer-funded homes worth up to $500,000 while 38,000 Victorians languish on the public housing waiting list.

A group of three teenage asylum seekers are being held in a large family home that boasts a sprawling garden, polished floorboards, modern stainless steel kitchen and double garage, while they wait to find out if their visa applications are approved.

Anglicare CEO Paul McDonald said properties used by agencies for community detention needed to meet certain conditions.

"You need to make sure that you've got the proper facilities in there," Mr McDonald said.

The houses are funded by the Immigration Department and each has a resident social worker.

The waiting list for public housing in Victoria sits at more than 38,000, up 1000 from the last quarter.