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Around 35 per cent of Gen Z, those aged 18–29, plan to purchase a home within the next five years, according to NAB.
At the same time, new research from Great Southern Bank (GSB) shows this cohort is significantly more open to alternative strategies, with Gen Z respondents 50 per cent more likely than the average Australian to consider rentvesting (21 per cent compared with 14 per cent).
Investment intent
When it comes to motivation, GSB found Gen Z investors are primarily driven by generating rental income (36 per cent), entering the market sooner (22 per cent), and viewing property as a comparatively lower-risk strategy (17 per cent).
Brokers are also reporting a noticeable increase in investment-focused activity among Gen Z clients.
Nick Lissikatos, director of Trelos Finance, said approximately 25 per cent of his client base now falls within this age group.
“I’d say the interest for Rentvesting is probably most popular with this age group generally because they’re usually single or in a relationship but with no kids, so they’re not too concerned about ‘buying the family home’,” he said.
“They’re more interested in living in areas that meet their lifestyle requirements but still interested in entering the property market.”
George Samios, founder of Madd, echoed this sentiment, noting that Gen Z buyers are prioritising flexibility and long-term strategy over immediate owner-occupier goals.
He added that Gen Z is using rentvesting as a means to achieve their property goals while remaining to live in more expensive suburbs.
“Gen Z clients are definitely approaching things differently to previous generations,” he said.
“Their requirements aren’t necessarily completely different, but they are a lot more strategy focused early on. They’re asking more questions around how to get in sooner, how to build equity and what their next step looks like beyond just the first purchase.”
Barriers to ownership
Despite strong intent, actual ownership rates remain comparatively low.
According to an Afterpay study, just 16 per cent of Gen Z Australians currently own property compared with 24 per cent of Baby Boomers at the same age.
Nicholas Hakim, founder and principal of Skyline Brokers, said his Gen Z clients generally fall into three groups.
“Either they’re receiving family support – through cash gifts or guarantor arrangements; they’ve entered the market with a sibling and built equity; or they’re currently unable to progress due to limited savings or income and are continuing to rent or live at home,” he said.
While government initiatives, such as the 5 per cent Deposit Scheme, aim to improve access, Hakim said a significant knowledge gap persists.
“One of the most common misconceptions is around deposit requirements,” he said.
“Many assume a 5 per cent deposit is sufficient, without factoring in additional costs like stamp duty on purchases above $800,000.
“That’s understandable, given how heavily the scheme is marketed around the ‘5 per cent deposit’ message, often without clearly explaining the broader costs involved.
“I’ve been questioned on it more than a few times, which ultimately comes back to a lack of clear, practical education tailored to the individual.”
AI and social media influence
Another defining shift is where younger buyers source their financial information.
According to GSB, around 38 per cent of Gen Z and 34 per cent of Millennials report using AI tools to build financial knowledge and inform decisions compared with just 15 per cent of Gen X and 5 per cent of Baby Boomers.
Regulator ASIC has warned against over-reliance on AI and social media, following findings that highlight the extent to which younger Australians are using these channels for financial guidance.
More than half of Gen Z respondents said they trust financial information from social media (56 per cent) and ‘finfluencers’ (52 per cent), while 64 per cent indicated trust in AI platforms.
Lissikatos said this trend is clearly visible in client behaviour.
“AI and social media absolutely dominate this generation,” he said.
“Before they speak to a professional, they’ve already heard about it from social media, quizzed the AI and received all the information.
“By the time they get to the professional, it’s usually just confirming the things they already know.”
Hakim said a lot of his younger clients will send him videos of posts from social media brokers offering advice or explaining situations.
“Most clients don’t fully appreciate that every lending scenario is different and needs to be assessed on its own merits,” he added.
Samios agreed and noted that while access to information has improved, quality and accuracy remain inconsistent.
“They come in with a lot of information already, but it’s not always clear or accurate. There’s a mix of helpful information and a lot of noise, especially from social media,” Samios said.
“We are seeing more of them trying to understand their options before speaking to someone. It’s a great starting point, but it doesn’t replace having a proper conversation.”
Encouragingly, traditional sources still play a role, with 60 per cent of Gen Z reporting they consult professional advice and 50 per cent relying on family and friends.
“If anything, these trends just mean the role of the broker becomes even more important,” he added.
“It’s about helping them cut through everything they’ve seen online, sense-checking it and turning it into a clear plan.”
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