The Dwindling Australian Dream: Home Ownership Beyond Reach?

1

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The situation is more dire for median-income renters, who find that they could compete for just 11% of homes sold last year, and an even narrower 9% for standalone houses. This limited access forces many to reconsider traditional homeownership as a viable option.

Surveys are underscoring this crisis. An Accent Research poll revealed a significant gap between aspiration and reality, with only 15% of participants confident that young Australians can secure home ownership without substantial financial support from external sources such as family.

The hurdles to entering the housing market don't end here. Analysis from Money.com.au demonstrated that the journey of amassing a deposit has become more onerous than ever for first-time buyers, who now face the daunting prospect of taking out hefty mortgages for homes that might previously have seemed modest.

Reflecting these financial strains, the average size of owner-occupier mortgages for first-home buyers ballooned to a historic high of $538,200 as of September 2023. This surge represents not just increasing home prices but a shift in expectations and financial commitment needed just to step onto the property ladder.

Adding a historical perspective to this discussion, independent economist Tarric Brooker shared a comparison on social media. His chart contrasted the stark change in housing affordability between 1998 and now. Back in 1998, armed with an average full-time income, Australian households could afford homes virtually everywhere except Sydney.

Examining this longitudinal data-sourced from benchmark rates in 1998 and present-day rates, albeit currently lower than benchmark rates-emphasizes the affordability decline, now with Darwin being the occasional outlier.

Delving deeper into historical patterns, housing affordability actually showed more strain in 2022 compared to pre-1998 levels, even before the Reserve Bank of Australia embarked on its current cycle of monetary tightening. This insight challenges perceptions and encourages reflection on any symmetry between historical and current affordability conditions.

Today's scenario is further complicated by elevated mortgage repayments reflecting a steep rise compared to interest rates touching as high as 17% in the 1990s. This comparative data begs reflection on how consumer expectations and economic realities shape the housing landscape.

Alex Joiner from IFM Investors contributed further historical analysis by demonstrating that mortgage repayments as a portion of income slightly outpaced these present figures in 1989-90, prompting considerations around economic adaptability and inflation-adjusted incomes.

Joiner poignantly remarked, "It will be a story we will tell children in future that there was once a time in Australia when a one income household (or individual) could buy a house" on Twitter. This sentiment encapsulates the gulf between past and current generational experiences.

The original article from PropTrack highlighted these economic divides which stress a narrative of a once egalitarian Australia, increasingly drifting towards disparities tied to class. Intergenerational wealth transfer, rather than earned income, now often defines home ownership possibilities in Australia, significantly altering the modern perception of the Australian Dream.

Published:Wednesday, 6th Nov 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Crusader Caravans and BIG4 Holiday Parks Join Forces to Enhance Caravanning Adventures

09 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

In an exciting development for Australian caravan enthusiasts, Crusader Caravans has announced a strategic partnership with BIG4 Holiday Parks. This collaboration aims to provide new caravan owners with exclusive benefits, enriching their travel experiences across the country. - read more

Australian Caravan Parks Experience Growth Amid Economic Uncertainty

09 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent data indicates a notable increase in occupancy rates across Australian caravan parks, showcasing the sector's resilience in the face of economic challenges. In October 2025, cabin occupancy nationwide rose to 69%, a four-point increase from the previous year. Powered sites saw a three-point rise to 52%, while unpowered sites reached 22% occupancy. - read more

'Caravan to a Million' Promotion Returns to Boost Caravan Industry Engagement

09 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The highly anticipated 'Caravan to a Million' promotion is set to return in 2025, aiming to increase consumer engagement with the Australian caravan industry. Developed by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia and supported by state trade associations, the promotion offers participants a chance to win a grand prize of $1 million. - read more

Jayco Faces ACCC Legal Action Over Off-Road Caravan Claims

01 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia's largest caravan manufacturer, Jayco, is currently facing legal proceedings initiated by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The ACCC alleges that Jayco misled consumers by advertising certain caravans as suitable for off-road use, despite these models not being designed or warranted for such conditions. - read more

Exclusive Perks for New Caravan Owners Through Crusader and BIG4 Partnership

01 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

In a strategic move to add value for new caravan owners, Crusader Caravans and its subsidiary brand, Dreamhaven, have partnered with BIG4 Holiday Parks. This collaboration offers new buyers a suite of exclusive benefits designed to enhance their caravanning experience from the outset. - read more

Click for more Finance News