'L'allarme': come l'Australia è tornata al punto di partenza

Fewer than 40 per cent of Australians aged 25 to 34 were listed as homeowners in the 2021 Census, and this figure is believed to have dropped further since then. The current homeownership rate among young adults matches levels recorded in the 1940s, before the post-war housing boom significantly boosted home ownership. This decline marks a troubling return to historical patterns, raising concerns about the affordability crisis and its impact on younger generations. The situation has worsened as home prices and rents have surged, creating additional financial strain on young Australians. According to a report by property data firm Cotality, rents in certain regions have increased by 80 per cent over the past five years following the end of pandemic-related rent freezes. These rising costs have forced many young people to delay buying homes, often opting instead to live away from family and accumulate savings for future mortgages. Social welfare organisation Anglicare Australia has highlighted the growing stress associated with housing insecurity among younger Australians. Executive director Kasy Chambers noted that nearly every conversation with young individuals involves discussions about rent and utility bills. “They are studying, working and contributing,” she explained, “but they are earning less than previous generations, being excluded from housing, and struggling to achieve the stability that earlier generations took for granted.” Economist Angela Jackson from the Productivity Commission echoed these concerns, stating that purchasing a home is far more costly relative to income for Gen Z compared to their predecessors. “It is a lot more expensive to enter the housing market now,” she said, adding that this trend raises alarms about broader economic inequality. Historically, home ownership in Australia rose sharply after World War II due to government-led initiatives aimed at rebuilding society. Demographer Liz Allen from the Australian National University described the 1940s as a period marked by significant challenges, including educational disparities and economic hardship. However, the post-war era also saw substantial progress in housing, with policies designed to ensure widespread access to affordable homes. During this time, there was a strong emphasis on providing opportunities for all citizens, including efforts to improve employment, education, and overall well-being. Allen noted that these policies helped establish a foundation for greater social mobility and economic growth. In contrast, recent decades have seen a shift toward short-term political strategies, with long-term housing solutions consistently deferred. “This mindset of ‘kicking the can down the road’ has undermined our ability to address evolving societal and economic changes,” Allen stated. She argued that the current approach focuses more on maintenance than on expansion, which fails to meet the needs of a growing population and emerging forms of inequality. As the housing crisis continues to deepen, experts warn that the lack of sustained investment in housing infrastructure could lead to lasting consequences for future generations. Without meaningful policy reforms, the cycle of declining homeownership and increasing inequality risks repeating itself, echoing the struggles of the 1940s.