A new survey reveals concern about property affordability, with younger Australians fearing they may never own a home.
Australians are describing the nation's property market as "broken", "unfair", "overpriced" and "out of reach", according to a property survey conducted by Money, which reveals deep concerns about affordability and home ownership in Australia.
When asked to describe Australia's current property market in fewer than 25 words, respondents pointed to soaring prices, affordability pressures and declining opportunities for first-home buyers.
Many expressed concern that home ownership is becoming increasingly unattainable, particularly for younger Australians.
When respondents were asked to align their thoughts on the housing market generally, the most selected option was that “we need to increase the percentage of home ownership in Australia,” (46%), followed by “the housing market is unequal at present” (41%).
Opposing statements of housing as “a great investment opportunity” and “there should be less emphasis on treating housing as an asset class” were similarly weighted with 29% and 27% respectively stating this.
At a generational level, Australians aged under 35 had significantly different responses, with 58% of respondents stating that the housing market is unequal, and 58% also said the country needs to increase the percentage of home ownership, while 52% said there should be less emphasis on treating housing as an asset class, nearly double the average.
In contrast, older Australians were more likely to view property as a great investment opportunity, with support rising from 11% among respondents under 35 to 31% among those respondents aged 55 and older.
Vanessa Walker, Managing Editor at Money, said the findings show Australians remain united by the dream of home ownership, even as many believe it is becoming harder to achieve.
"What stood out wasn't just the numbers, it was the language Australians used. Time and again people described the market as unfair, unattainable and out of reach.”
"The dream of owning a home is still very much alive, but many Australians feel that dream is becoming harder to achieve."
Despite affordability concerns, six in ten Australians said buying is a better option than renting, although three in ten believe both options have become equally challenging.
Rising housing and living costs are also reshaping household finances.
More than four in ten respondents said they were cutting spending to save money, while one in ten reported being unable to save at all.
More than four in ten Australians also said their mortgage or rental payments cause financial stress, while almost half of renters identified rising rental costs as their biggest challenge.
A clear generational divide emerged when respondents were asked about their biggest housing concern over the next decade.
Among Australians under 35, 42% said their greatest fear was never being able to buy a home, compared with just 7% of Australians aged over 55.
"Whether Australians already own a home or are trying to buy their first, there is a clear sense that housing affordability has become one of the defining financial issues facing the country," Walker said.
Taken together, the findings reveal a nation still committed to the dream of home ownership but increasingly concerned about whether that dream remains attainable for future generations.
Money Property Survey received 615 responses and was conducted between June 11 and July 12, 2026. The survey explored Australians' experiences and attitudes relating to home ownership, renting, property affordability and property-related financial pressures.
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