They Are Not Waiting Anymore

Something has shifted among young Australians.

According to a recent Westpac Home Ownership Report, more than one in three Gen Z Australians now plan to buy their first home within the next five years. That figure has increased five percentage points since January 2025. Confidence is rising despite affordability pressures.

For many young Australians, owning property is about financial security and independence. Thirty-four per cent say financial security is a key motivator. Thirty-seven per cent are driven by the desire for independence. Nearly one-third say they do not want to rent forever.

What stands out most is the adaptability.

Eighty per cent of first home buyers are open to purchasing in suburbs they had not previously considered. The same proportion are actively adjusting their lifestyles to increase savings. Buyers are broadening their search areas, reconsidering property types and moving forward with flexible deposit strategies.

While the average first home buyer is aiming for a 17.5 per cent deposit, more than half of Gen Z buyers are targeting ten per cent or less. Fifty-three per cent are prepared to proceed with a deposit at or below that level.

Property preferences are evolving as well. Interest in apartments has increased, and more than half of Gen Z buyers are considering rentvesting as part of their pathway into the market.

Affordability and supply remain real challenges. However, the momentum is clear. Young Australians are not stepping back from property ownership. They are adjusting their approach and leaning in.

At Young Investors Club, we are seeing this same shift. The conversation is no longer about waiting for perfect conditions. It is about understanding strategy, knowing your options and taking the first step with clarity.

If you would like to explore your first home or first investment strategy, contact Young Investors Club at enquiries@younginvestorsclub.com.au.

Source: Westpac Media Release, 15 November 2025, Home Ownership Report.