Key takeaways
Beyond the stunning coastlines and bustling city life lies a land brimming with intriguing economic quirks, surprising demographic trends, and a property market that can turn heads around the globe.
So, for Australia Day, let’s look at 12 fun facts that reveal the hidden dimensions of Australia’s wealth, housing, and unique global standing.
While these 12 points illustrate the complex and multifaceted nature of Australia's economic and demographic landscape, one thing is clear - We’re living in the best country in the world of the best time in history.
Think you know Australia?
Think again!
Beyond the stunning coastlines and bustling city life lies a land brimming with intriguing economic quirks, surprising demographic trends, and a property market that can turn heads around the globe.
So, for Australia Day, let’s look at 12 fun facts that reveal the hidden dimensions of Australia’s wealth, housing, and unique global standing.
1. We’re a nation of Homeowners!
Sure, there is an affordability issue at present; however, with a homeownership rate of around 65%, Australia ranks highly on the global stage.
Over the last few years there is a noticeable shift toward renting that reflects rising property prices and evolving lifestyle preferences, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, who leave their family formation and therefore home ownership purchases till later in life.
This trend is reshaping our housing markets, pushing for more rental accommodations.
Having said that, last year they were also 530,000 property transactions in Australia and around 120,00 first home buyers - in other words around 20% of all transactions were to 1st home buyers.
2. The Magic Million Dollar Price.
There are now a number of new luxury home markets around Australia, not just Sydney and Melbourne.
Both Brisbane and Perth have now surpassed the $2 million mark for houses in their top five per cent.
Australia’s regional “$1 million club” has also grown dramatically from just two areas five years ago to encompass 20 locations today.
Leading the charge are the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
3. Big Country, Small Population
Australia's vast land mass contrasts sharply with its relatively small population, leading to one of the lowest population densities worldwide.
This unique aspect influences urban planning and infrastructure development, fostering a large amount of space per person but also presenting challenges in service delivery and the cost of producing sufficient infrastructure across such expansive areas.
4. Diverse and Multicultural
Australia's reputation as a melting pot is not just a cultural statement but a defining characteristic of its demographic landscape.
With around 30% of our population born overseas, Australia ranks as one of the most multicultural nations on the planet.
This rich tapestry of cultures not only enhances the country's cultural fabric but also significantly influences its property markets, particularly in metropolitan areas.
According to the ABS, the leading countries of origin for these expats include the United Kingdom, which accounts for 5% of the total population, followed by India (2.8%), and China (2.6%). New Zealand also contributes a significant number of expats, making up about 2.5% of the population.
5. The Expat Appeal
Australia's stable economy and high quality of life make it a top destination for expats.
In recent years, Australia has consistently ranked as one of the top destinations for expatriates globally.
This recent map by The Visual Capitalist on the migration patterns of the world’s millionaires forecasts that Australia will this year experience the highest influx of millionaire migrants (+5,200), while China will suffer the greatest loss (-13,500):
Ten years ago, some 17% of new homes sold to overseas buyers according to Michael Matusik.
This attention dropped to around 4% in 2021 and has bounced back since.
Whilst it's not actually allowed - although it obviously happens - when it comes to overseas residents buying existing homes in Australia, we have seen a very similar shape as the new house buying trends.
Ten years ago, some 10% of existing homes were purchased overseas.
It dropped below 2% or thereabouts during the Covid restrictions and has since lifted to 3.5%.
Overall if we take a decade-long average just under 10% of new properties across Australia sell to an overseas buyer and when it comes to existing homes that's about 5%.
6. Economic Powerhouse
Historically, Australia has enjoyed a robust economic performance, with sustained growth in GDP -in other words we have informed into recession during the recent challenging years like some negative nellies suggested we would.
- Also read:Latest property price forecasts for 2025 revealed. What’s ahead in our housing markets in the next year or two?
- Also read:Where do you sit on the Wealth Pyramid?
- Also read:Melbourne property market forecast for 2025
- Also read:Brisbane’s property market forecast for 2025
- Also read:Sydney property market forecast for 2025
Our success can be attributed to several factors:
- Diverse Economy: Australia benefits from a diversified economy that includes strong sectors such as mining, agriculture, education, and tourism. This diversification helps buffer against economic downturns that might affect one sector more significantly than others.
- Trade Relationships: Strong trade relationships, particularly with China and other Asian economies, have underpinned Australia's economic growth. The demand for Australian minerals and agricultural products has remained high, supporting the economy even during global slowdowns.
Despite the overall economic growth, Australia has experienced what's known as 'per capita recessions.'
This means that even though the economy grows, the wealth spread per person doesn't keep pace, impacting living standards and economic perceptions at the individual level.
Also the benefits of the country's economic growth have not been evenly distributed, leading to significant income disparity.
7. The Love for Suburban Sprawl
The great Australian dream often includes a house with a yard in the suburbs, contrasting with global trends towards high-density urban living.
This preference has driven urban sprawl, affecting urban planning and commuting patterns, with implications for infrastructure and environmental planning.
8. A Leader in Wealth Accumulation
Household wealth in Australia rose for the eighth quarter in a row, up 2.4 per cent or $401 billion in the September quarter 2024, according to figures released by the ABS.
Total household wealth was $16.9 trillion in the September quarter, which was 9.9 per cent ($1.5 trillion) higher than a year ago.
Residential land and dwellings were the largest driver of the rise, contributing 0.9 percentage points to the overall 2.4 per cent rise in household wealth.
9. Tech Adoption in Real Estate
From virtual tours to AI-driven investment platforms, Australia is quick to adopt new technologies in the real estate sector.
These advancements are democratising property data, but in my mind, while this makes it easier for average Australians to access market data, without the perspective to analyse this data, many investors are going to make expensive mistakes.
10. Ageing Population
According to projections from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of Australians aged 65 and over is expected to double in the next 40 years.
By 2057, it's estimated that nearly 22% of the population will be over the age of 65, compared to approximately 15% today.
This ageing demographic is primarily due to longer life expectancies and declining birth rates, characteristics that are transforming consumer needs and preferences in the property market.
11. Education is a major economic earner.
Education is a major export earner for Australia, with the presence of prestigious universities and well-regarded schools being a major draw card for foreign students.
Source of Image: MacroBusiness
However, international students aren’t the culprit in Australia’s housing crisis that many make them out to be.
According to the Student Accommodation Council (SAC), international students account for only 6% of the rental market.
Their impact on housing is heavily concentrated in inner-city areas, where most student accommodation is located.
A staggering 73% of local government areas (LGAs) have an international student population of less than 1%.
In other words, for the vast majority of Australian communities, international students aren’t even on the radar when it comes to housing pressures.
12. Regional Shifts in Population and Property Demand
The allure of regional Australia has grown significantly as remote work becomes more viable and accepted.
Cities like Geelong, Ballarat, and Newcastle are seeing an influx of new residents seeking more affordable housing options, larger lot sizes, and a perceived better quality of life away from urban congestion.
This migration is not only boosting local economies but also reshaping property demand patterns.
Happy Australia Day
These 12 points illustrate the complex and multifaceted nature of Australia's economic and demographic landscape.
However, one thing is clear - We’re living in the best country in the world of the best time in history.
