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Why Home Ownership Is Falling – And What It Means for Australia’s Property Future | Simon Kuestenmacher

Property Investment, Success & Money | The Michael Yardney Podcast

Release Date: 02/09/2026

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More Episodes

Today, Simon Kuestenmacher and I examine the evolving landscape of home ownership in Australia.

 

 For generations, owning a home has been at the heart of the Australian dream. In 1966, nearly three-quarters of Australian households owned their home, either outright or with a mortgage.

 

Fast-forward to the 2021 Census, and that figure had slipped to just 63 per cent.

 

For younger Australians, the drop has been even steeper. And while renting is far more common today, the cost of entry into home ownership has never been higher.

 

So what’s driving this change? Is it just the market doing what markets do, or have we set ourselves on a path where home ownership becomes an exclusive club?

 

Takeaways

 

  • Home ownership rates have significantly declined over the decades.
  • Demographic shifts, particularly among millennials, are impacting home ownership.
  • Economic factors, such as income growth lagging behind housing prices, are crucial.
  • The wealth gap between homeowners and renters is widening.
  • Political priorities are influenced by the home ownership status of voters.
  • Current policies may inadvertently push housing prices higher.
  • A balanced property market is essential for economic stability.
  • Gradual policy changes are preferred over drastic measures.
  • The future of home ownership in Australia is uncertain without intervention.
  • Community engagement is vital for shaping housing policies.

 

Links and Resources:

 

Answer this week’s trivia question here - https://www.propertytrivia.com.au/

·        Win a hard copy of How to grow a multi-million dollar property portfolio in your space on.

·        Every entry receives a copy of a fully updated Michael Yardney Property Report.

 

Join Michael Yardney plus a team of experts, at Wealth Retreat 2026 on the Gold Coast in May. Find out more about it here and register your interest www.wealthretreat.com.au It's Australia's premier event for successful investors and business people.

 

Michael Yardney

 

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Simon Kuestenmacher: Australia’s leading demographer and partner in the Demographics Group.

 

Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at: www.PodcastBonus.com.au 

 

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.