On the one hand, there's the state's long-held goal to boost population growth, and if real estate housing prices are believed, then that goal might be high sooner rather than later.

Tasmania has become an oasis for many seeking refuge - from the pandemic, or climate change, or just for a change of pace.

It has fast cemented itself as a destination that offers a slower pace, escape from the rat race and better work-life balance.

That's particularly true now in the COVID pandemic era, where working from home became the norm for most people. The tyranny of distance has been lifted from Tasmania, and it's become a popular destination in its own right for those looking to make a move interstate.

The allure of living a life relatively untouched by the pandemic is also undoubtedly a strong pull - Tasmania hasn't had a community transmission case in months, and the only recent positive cases have been in hotel quarantine - at least so far.

While there's still the see-saw opening and closing of borders, Tasmanian ex-pats are returning in droves, and other mainlanders are too. However, on the flip side of that is the problem of social housing. The Tasmanian Government has a policy to boost social housing stocks, but many reports are that the waiting list is too long.

Tenants who are forced to live in social housing unsuitable for them, are finding themselves with nowhere to go and no help in sight. As Patti Chugg from Shelter Tasmania puts it - current targets are not keeping up with demand - and it's only getting stronger.

Adding to the housing puzzle is the end to the moratorium on rent increases and the impact of Airbnb short-term rentals.

While there are some positive signs to Tasmania's housing stocks, there are also two sides to every story.

Housing in Tasmania is becoming more complex by the day - but it's clear that more aggressive intervention is needed. Existing targets did not foresee the pandemic, and as such, a more swift response to alleviate these stresses is required.