Fewer young Aussies own a home now - how to beat the odds

Houses in the suburbs
Image: Getty

Owning a home in Australia remains an aspiration for many - the Great Australian Dream is still a dream. 

And yet, home ownership rates among younger generations have dropped in recent times. In 1996, the share of homeowners aged 25 to 29 years old was 44%. This stands at 36% today, as reported by Domain in its latest First-home Buyer Report. 

For 30-34 year olds, it has fallen 9 percentage points to 50%. 

Understanding both the property market and home loan costs might help beat the odds, at least.

Australia’s property market has changed over the last decade

Owner-occupiers are fewer in number, too. 

In 1996, 71% of Australian homes were owner-occupied, meaning the person(s) who lived there owned the property (with and without a mortgage). This proportion has slowly lowered to 66.7% in the recent census. 

Domain says the biggest shifts have occurred during periods of strong and sustained price booms - such as the one that occurred between 2013 and 2017 in Sydney. There was notably a more dramatic increase to the population during those years, as per data on Macrotrends.

With more people comes greater demand. And so the way into the property market also changes over time. 

Domain’s report sums up the changes: “It’s been a bumpy path, with periods of a rise, but overall the trajectory has been downwards, highlighting the rapidly changing nature of Australia’s property market over the last 30 years, both in terms of affordability and our lifestyles.” 

How to beat the market and find some affordability 

It’s not all bad news, however. There are still areas offering affordable options for younger buyers in 2024, and thus making it slightly easier to enter the market, says Domain.

For instance, a prospective buyer’s ability to get into the market usually improves outside of major city hubs. This might include areas such as Wyong on the NSW Central Coast, Melbourne’s Melton-Bacchus Marsh and Brisbane’s Cleveland-Stradbroke, says Domain. 

Units might be an even better option, even those within city limits. For example, a bit of research shows some affordability can be found on smaller properties in close proximity to the CBD, such as in Sydney’s Fairfield, Melbourne’s Essendon and Brisbane’s Springwood-Kingston, as per Domain.

So, if you’re looking for a home and excited to become a homeowner, there are ways. This type of suburb-based research is a good first step. Secondly, the home loan you choose will greatly impact your ongoing home costs. 

Chief among the factors you should consider are your home loan rate and this is where home loan comparison comes into play. 

A better home loan rate will give you a leg up

A lower home loan rate can greatly reduce your regular repayments over the long term. 

For example, on a $500,000 home loan over 25 years, a variable interest rate of 6.25% p.a. would equate to about $3,298 per month in repayments. But by going for a slightly lower rate, say 5.79% p.a., you could reduce your monthly repayment to $3,158. 

That’s $140 less per month, or $1,680 over a year! 

Doing a little bit of home loan research can go a long way, which is why our Mozo experts spend the time breaking down home loans and handpicking some of the best on offer. Start comparing some of the top home loans available below and get your home buying journey off on the right foot!

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Last updated 20 September 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

Home loan comparisons on Mozo

  • Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply online in minutes.

  • 3 Year Special Fixed Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    6.16 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    This home loan is available for purchase or refinance, complete with 1, 2 or 3 year fixed rate options. Minimum 10% deposit required.

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* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.

** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.

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Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.