A closer examination of Melbourne’s 2.06 million dwellings shows Baby Boomers possess roughly 663,400 homes. The economic weight of this generation and the Builders generation (those born before 1946) is undeniable, controlling over 61% of Australia’s household wealth, a staggering $6.2 trillion. The next two decades are set to witness an unprecedented intergenerational wealth transfer, the largest in Australia’s history.
But what is driving this generation to “right-size”?
The answer lies in their pursuit of quality over quantity. Apartment living, for instance, offers a release from the relentless demands of home maintenance. On average, it’s estimated that apartment dwellers are gifted back nearly 270 hours annually. That’s nearly eight weekends, or five extra hours each week, that can be repurposed for leisure, hobbies, or time with loved ones.
Couple this with Australia’s rising life expectancy. At the dawn of the 20th century, when the Age Pension was introduced, Australians were expected to live till 57 years of age. Fast forward a century, and the life expectancy has soared past 80. It’s only natural then for older Baby Boomers to gravitate towards homes that offer liveability and financial piece of mind.
The property market in Melbourne is experiencing a transformative era. With the Baby Boomer generation making decisive housing choices, the ripple effects will be felt across the market’s spectrum. As they choose to “right-size”, they are reshaping Melbourne’s real estate landscape, prioritising comfort, ease, and living more with less.
