McGrath Report: Housing redefined: Family ties and growing pains - John McGrath

Photography: McGrath Ettalong

Despite higher interest rates and cost-of-living pressures, there are a lot of first home buyers in the marketplace across Australia.

Latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows first home buyers represented 28% of new owner-occupied lending in September, which is well above the 10-year average of 24.9%.

So, why are there more of these predominately younger, budget-conscious buyers in the market when affordability is challenging in many areas and it’s hard to get a home loan?

As we discuss in the McGrath Report 2025, tapping into a supportive network of parents, family and friends is increasingly becoming a pathway to home ownership, and this is leading to changes in preferred dwelling types and city planning.