A generation under pressure

The online survey of 1,020 young Australians, commissioned by affordable housing provider Home in Place, paints a stark picture of a generation under siege from the housing crisis.

• Exit plans: More than half (53%) say they would consider moving overseas for more affordable housing, with 16% saying they definitely would.
• Dream deferred: Only 20% believe they are “very likely” to ever own a home, while half are unsure or pessimistic.
• Rental squeeze: More than half (53%) are paying more than 30% of their income on rent. 27% of respondents say rent absorbs more than half their income.
• Life on hold: 21% have delayed milestones such as study, moving out, or having children due to housing costs.
• Sacrifices split by gender: Women are more likely to cut back on essentials like food and healthcare, while men are more likely to take on extra jobs or hours.
• Government falling short: 55% believe government is not doing enough to help their generation into housing.

This is the Exit Generation

“This is the Exit Generation. Young Australians are working harder, sacrificing more, and still can’t see a path to the stability our society expects,” said Martin Kennedy, Home in Place’s Group Executive Manager, Marketing & Public Affairs.

The research highlights how deeply housing costs are reshaping life choices. One in four young Australians still live with their parents, while many in their late 20s and early 30s report giving up on saving for a deposit, or delaying starting a family.

“Despite young Australians tightening their belts and delaying big decisions, they are watching the dream of home ownership just slip away. Young people know they’re locked out of ownership, and even renting privately is a stretch. Unless governments act, we risk losing not just a generation of homeowners, but a generation of Australians.”

A housing ladder that’s broken at every rung

Mr Kennedy said the survey results should serve as a wakeup call for policymakers.

“When more than half of young Australians say they would consider leaving the country for affordable housing, that’s not just a housing issue, it’s a national crisis.

“Support for this generation can’t look like more help to go into debt for hugely expensive homes. That’s not a solution, it’s a trap, and the past 25 years have proven it just drives up prices Government needs to get back to building affordable homes at scale, just like they did in the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s,” he said.

A mandate for government action

The survey also found strong public backing for action, with nearly 80%  people saying it is important for society that government builds more social and affordable housing, and 46% saying it is “very” important.

“Young Australians are not asking for handouts. They’re asking for a fair go,” Kennedy said. “They want governments to treat housing as essential infrastructure, just like roads, schools and hospitals.

One in Ten: A call to action

The release of the findings comes as Home in Place continues its One in Ten campaign urging governments to commit to making at least one in every ten new homes social or affordable housing.

“One in Ten is a simple, achievable step that would make a profound difference,” said Mr Kennedy.

“We’re asking Australians to back the campaign and call on their representatives to act. Every year we delay, more young people give up on the dream of a secure home and more start looking overseas for a future they can’t find here.”