Avo-smashing Millennials sacrifice family for home

Donna Dalby, Bankwest’s general manager of personal and third-party banking, believes the results paint a different picture of young Australians than we usually hear.

More than a quarter of young Australians said they would put off having children to afford their own home, while one in five was willing to give up basic necessities.

And, in a blow to the stereotype, more than half of Millennials surveyed would sacrifice little luxuries, experiences and big-ticket items to get on the property ladder.

More than a quarter (27.8 per cent) of young Australians were even willing to sacrifice their independence to enter the housing market by living with parents or family for longer.

The cohort also defied property price and cost-of-living pressures to be among the most likely to believe in the Great Australian Dream of home ownership and that it was achievable for them.

“Home ownership may be a daunting prospect for some aspiring home owners, but we know there are options available to those who are willing to make choices or trade-offs.”

“Owning your own home is a key moment in life, and it’s important we do all we can to make that process as simple and transparent as possible and help customers achieve their dream,” Ms Dalby concluded. 

In welcome news for younger Australians, data released by the housing supply minister showed that the Federal Government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS) is already helping Millennials achieve their home ownership aspirations.

Kristin Brookfield, HIA’s chief executive of industry policy, said data showed that 34 per cent of applicants are aged between 25-29, while 76 per cent of applicants are aged between 18 and 34.

“Where first home buyers are looking to live is also encouraging. A large number of applicants, including Millennials, are looking to buy outside the major cities of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. This suggests that people are starting to think outside the box (and the capital cities) when they think about buying their first home.” 

“All Australians seek to have secure housing options. Home ownership is an important fundamental of achieving that, and increasing housing supply will have a trickle-down effect for the economy as a whole. 

“HIA is heartened to see the scheme receiving so much interest and so many first home buyers now being able to achieve their home ownership dream,” Ms Brookfield concluded.