If there’s one topic guaranteed to get Australians of all ages talking, it’s the state of our housing market.
For years, the so-called ‘generation wars’ have raged: Baby Boomers defending their hard-won homes, younger Australians lamenting the near-impossible dream of home ownership, and everyone else caught somewhere in between.
But is the debate finally settled? And if so, why can’t we all just move on?
Let’s take a closer look at what’s really going on, why the conversation refuses to die, and what it means for Australians over 50.
Earlier this year, more than 54,000 Australians took part in The Great Aussie Debate, a wide-ranging survey that asked the big questions about life in 2025. One of the most contested topics? Whether Baby Boomers had it easier when buying their first home.
The results were clear: 66 per cent of respondents agreed that Baby Boomers didn’t do it as tough when they purchased their first property. Unsurprisingly, younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials) overwhelmingly felt that past house prices were more affordable.
But even among older Australians, nearly a third still believe that today’s young people simply aren’t prepared to make the same sacrifices.
So, is the old ‘avocado toast’ argument finally dead? Not quite. While the majority now accept that the housing market has changed, the idea that young people are frittering away their deposits on lattes and brunches still lingers in some corners.
Let’s put things in perspective. In 1994, the national median house price was $130,000. Fast forward to today, and it’s over $850,000. Wages have increased too—from just over $27,000 to nearly $100,000—but not nearly at the same pace as property prices.
That means the dream of a four-bedroom home with a backyard is slipping further out of reach for many young Australians. As one 27-year-old Melbourne renter put it, ‘When I do finally own, I think it will be a smaller unit or townhouse, an hour out of the city with a patch of grass.’
For many, the only way to save a deposit is with a partner’s help—and even then, it can take years. Single-income buyers face an even steeper uphill battle, especially with rents at record highs and little chance to move back home to save.
It’s easy to see why emotions run high. Some younger Australians feel Baby Boomers are unsympathetic or even ‘smug’ about their property success. Others point to the rise of investment properties and high rents as barriers to entry for first-home buyers.
But is it fair to blame one generation for the woes of another? Property expert Julian Fadini says no. ‘As controversial as this is going to be, I am going to say that yes, it was easier for Baby Boomers than it is for the young generation today, but it’s not either party’s fault,’ he explains.
The real culprit? A massive shift in supply and demand, and a housing market that’s failed to keep up with population growth and changing needs.
While the generational blame game makes for good headlines, it distracts from the real problem: Australia is in the grip of a housing crisis. There simply aren’t enough affordable homes to go around, and both renters and buyers are feeling the squeeze.
Whether you’re a Baby Boomer worried about your children’s future or a Millennial struggling to save a deposit, the consequences of inaction will be felt by all Australians. As Fadini puts it, ‘Both generations will suffer some of the negative consequences of failing to address the lack of supply.’
The housing debate isn’t just about who had it tougher—it’s about what kind of Australia we want to live in. Instead of pointing fingers, perhaps it’s time to focus on solutions: increasing housing supply, supporting first-home buyers, and making sure everyone has a fair shot at a secure home.
As the housing debate continues, it’s clear that multiple factors are at play, affecting Australians across all generations. The conversation is far from over, and finding common ground may require a shift towards collaborative solutions.
What do you think is the best way forward in addressing Australia’s housing crisis? Have you experienced the challenges of homeownership or rental affordability? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Also read: With housing costs soaring, is the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ the only way in?
