Which Generation Holds the Most Housing Wealth in Australia?
For years, Baby Boomers were seen as the clear leaders in housing wealth in Australia. After all, they bought property when prices were lower and benefited from decades of capital growth.
However, recent research reveals that Generation X (born 1965–1980) now holds the highest average property wealth of any generation in the country.
Here’s how the generational breakdown looks:
- Gen X: Approx. $1.455 million in average household property wealth
- Baby Boomers: Approx. $1.36 million in average household property wealth
- Millennials: Approx. $890,000 in average household property wealth
While Boomers still lead in total net worth overall, Gen X has officially taken the top spot in housing wealth in Australia specifically.
The Great Wealth Transfer Is Underway
Australia is currently experiencing what economists call “the great wealth transfer.” As Baby Boomers retire, many are downsizing their homes, selling investment properties, or shifting money into superannuation and cash reserves.
This transition is reshaping housing wealth in Australia. Rather than holding large family homes long term, many Boomers are freeing up equity and redistributing wealth either through lifestyle changes or eventually through inheritance.
At the same time, Gen X households are in their peak earning years. Many have owned property for 15–25 years, giving them time to benefit from:
- Long-term property price growth
- Paying down significant portions of their home loans
- Upgrading to higher-value homes
- Building investment property portfolios
This combination has pushed Gen X to the top of the housing wealth in Australia ladder.
Millennials Are Closer Than You Think
Millennials are often portrayed as being “locked out” of the property market. But the data tells a more balanced story.
While Millennials (born 1981–1996) hold less housing wealth in Australia than older generations, many are now well and truly on the property ladder. With average household property wealth nearing $890,000, Millennials are building equity faster than previous generations did at the same age.
Several factors are helping Millennials grow their housing wealth in Australia:
- Dual-income households
- Buying in outer suburbs or regional areas
- Government first home buyer schemes
- Family support and guarantor loans
- Strong property price growth over the past decade
Millennials may have entered the market later, but once in, many are making significant progress.
Younger Australians Are Growing Wealth the Fastest
Here’s where things get really interesting.
Australians aged 25–34 largely older Gen Z and younger Millennials have seen the fastest growth in household wealth in recent years. Some reports show wealth growth of more than 60% over five years.
A big driver of this surge is rising home ownership among younger Australians. Despite affordability challenges, many are still prioritising property as a long-term wealth strategy.
This trend shows that housing wealth in Australia isn’t just about who bought decades ago. It’s also about who is entering the market now and benefiting from:
- Low-deposit home loan schemes
- Stamp duty concessions
- First Home Owner Grants
- Government-backed guarantee programs
Want to Start Building Housing Wealth in Australia? Let’s Talk
If you’re wondering whether home ownership is still achievable, the answer may surprise you. There are more support programs and flexible lending options available today than many buyers realise.
A quick chat can help you understand:
- Your borrowing capacity
- How much deposit you really need
- Which government schemes you may qualify for
- Whether now is the right time to buy
Your journey toward building housing wealth in Australia could start sooner than you think.
Why Property Ownership Still Matters
Owning property remains one of the most powerful ways to build long-term housing wealth in Australia.
Yes, buying a home usually means taking on a mortgage. But those repayments act as a form of forced saving. Over time, as you reduce your loan and property values grow, your equity increases — often significantly.
Property ownership can also provide:
- Greater financial security in retirement
- Protection against rising rents
- The ability to leverage equity for future investments
- Stability for families
Research has shown that long-term renters may face more financial pressure in retirement compared to homeowners. That’s why entering the property market — even with a modest first home — can have life-changing long-term benefits.
Government Schemes Making It Easier to Buy
If rising property prices feel intimidating, remember: you don’t have to do it alone.
There are numerous initiatives designed to help Australians enter the market and start building housing wealth in Australia, including:
✔ First Home Owner Grants (FHOG)
✔ Stamp duty concessions or exemptions
✔ First Home Guarantee Scheme (buy with as little as 5% deposit)
✔ Regional home buyer support programs
✔ Shared equity schemes in some states
Many buyers are surprised to learn they don’t need a 20% deposit to purchase a home. Some can buy with 5% — or even less in certain circumstances.
Ready to Build Your Housing Wealth in Australia?
Whether you’re a first home buyer, upgrading, or considering an investment property, the key is understanding your options.
The sooner you start, the sooner you begin building equity and long-term housing wealth in Australia.
Get in touch today to review your borrowing power, explore government incentives, and create a clear property plan. Your future wealth starts with one smart move.
Phone: 1300 855 022
Email: clientservices@zippyfinancial.com.au
Zippy Financial is an award-winning mortgage brokerage specialising in home loans, property investment, commercial lending, and vehicle & asset finance. Whether you are looking to buy your first home, refinance or build your property investment portfolio, the team at Zippy Financial can help find and secure the right loan for you and your business.
About the Author:
Louisa Sanghera is an award-winning mortgage broker and Director at Zippy Financial. Louisa founded Zippy Financial with the goal of helping clients grow their wealth through smart property and business financing. Louisa utilises her expert financial knowledge, vision for exceptional customer service and passion for property to help her clients achieve their lifestyle and financial goals. Louisa is an experienced speaker, financial commentator, mortgage broker industry representative and small business advocate.
Connect with Louisa on Linkedin.
Louisa Sanghera is a Credit Representative (437236) of Mortgage Specialists Pty Ltd (Australian Credit Licence No. 387025).
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