Older Australians Back Tax Reforms as Housing Affordability Crises Their Children
Senior Australians, recalling affordable home purchases in the 1980s, support recent tax changes aimed at reducing investor incentives, fearing their kids cannot afford houses.
A group of senior Australians, including former architect Pete Muskens and retired researcher Charlie Bell, recount buying homes for roughly three to four times their annual income in the 1980s, a level of affordability now out of reach for their children. They argue that policies like reduced capital gains tax turned housing into a lucrative asset, driving prices ahead of wages. Labor’s recent budget reforms targeting negative gearing and capital gains tax are praised by these seniors as essential to restore housing as a home, though the Coalition and One Nation have pledged to repeal them.
Data show a 7% decline in Sydney’s high-end market, while other capitals remain stable. Anglicare Australia warns the trend could create an “inheritocracy,” with home ownership for 25-34-year-olds falling below 40%. Older generations stress the need for more affordable and public housing to give future generations a realistic chance of owning homes.
Why it matters
The story highlights how housing policy affects generational wealth and the ability of young Australians to own homes.
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