What Real Estate Would Look Like If Gen Z Designed It

If Gen Z were designing the real estate market, we’d see a big shift in how property is owned, lived in, and valued. With housing affordability under pressure and traditional models no longer fitting modern lifestyles, Gen Z is doing property differently and forcing the industry to adapt.

Shared Ownership and Co-Living Are In

Traditional solo homeownership is slipping out of reach for many young Australians. Instead, Gen Z is getting creative. A 2024 study by View.com.au found 44% of Gen Z would consider co-owning a property with a friend or sibling, compared to just 18% of Baby Boomers. Shared ownership models reduce the upfront financial burden and make investing more accessible.

Co-living, where people have private bedrooms but share kitchens, living areas, and outdoor spaces, is also on the rise. It’s cost-effective and community-focused—both priorities for younger buyers and renters.

Sustainability Is a Dealbreaker

Gen Z cares deeply about the environment, and that’s showing up in property preferences. According to Sunstate Property, this generation is actively looking for homes with:

• Solar panels and energy-efficient appliances
• Sustainable building materials
• Low-waste or low-impact design
• Proximity to public transport

Eco-conscious features are no longer a nice-to-have—they’re becoming a key decision factor.

Smart Tech as Standard

Digital natives expect more than four walls and a roof. They want smart homes that integrate seamlessly with their devices. From app-controlled lighting and security to energy monitoring systems and digital key access, tech integration is a growing expectation for Gen Z buyers and tenants.

Rentvesting is a Smart Strategy

Affording the dream home in your ideal suburb is harder than ever, but that hasn’t stopped Gen Z from entering the market. Many are choosing to rentvest: renting where they want to live, while investing where they can afford to buy. This strategy keeps lifestyle options open without missing the opportunity to build wealth through property.

Moving Beyond the Cities

Affordability and flexibility are pushing younger buyers to look outside the traditional metro hotspots. According to the Regional Australia Institute, 61% of city dwellers aged under 35 would consider moving to a regional area in the next five years, drawn by lower prices, lifestyle appeal, and the rise of remote work.

Community-Led Living

Forget isolating suburbs and high fences. Gen Z prefers walkable neighbourhoods with:

• Shared green spaces and parks
• Local cafés and creative hubs
• Co-working spaces built into apartment complexes
• Strong community vibes

Developers are starting to respond by incorporating more communal spaces and mixed-use zones into new developments.

The Bottom Line?

Gen Z isn’t waiting for the market to change. They’re shaping it themselves—with smarter strategies, stronger values, and a clearer idea of what kind of life they want to build.

Keen to align your property journey with these trends?
We can help. Contact us at enquiries@younginvestorsclub.com.au and find out how other young Australians are making real estate work for them.

Sources:

• View.com.au: 2024 generational property sentiment study
• Sunstate Property, 2025: Generational property trend insights
• Regional Australia Institute, 2024: Regional migration sentiment report