Short-term stays are swallowing up housing stock these WA coastal havens

Tourism is these towns biggest breadwinner — but with a housing crisis in full swing, short-term stays are pushing locals away.

A lot has changed since Helen Findlay moved to the coastal town of Busselton 25 years ago, looking for the good life.

That was back when the pace was slow, rents were affordable, and tourism was nascent.

Helen Findlay say Busselton's identity has changed dramatically. ( ABC News: Jon Daly )

It's the second time in two years that Ms Findlay and her dog Banjo have been living in the car. ( ABC News: Jon Daly )

Ms Findlay has lived in Busselton for two decades. ( ABC News: Jon Daly )

Now in her 50s, the healthcare worker is packing up her house, preparing to couch surf or sleep in her car with her dog, Banjo, for the second time in two year