Boomers Had It Easier and Took All the Good Properties, With Simon Kuestenmacher

If you’ve ever felt like you’re playing a game of property monopoly in Australia, but someone else got to pass “Go” decades before you and now owns half the board, you’re not imagining it. That “someone else”? It's the Baby Boomers. They’ve won the property game in Australia. Not just because they got in early, but because the rules of the game have increasingly worked in their favour, at the expense of younger generations. Today leading demographer Simon Kuestenmacher and I chat about whether the Baby Boomers really did have it easier or not, as well as how younger generations can catch up and build their own property wealth as well as how younger generations can catch up and build their own property wealth. We also discuss the impact of debt, changing cultural expectations regarding home ownership, and the challenges faced by Generation X.   Takeaways  ·         Baby boomers have a significant advantage in property ownership. ·         Younger generations face higher debt levels than baby boomers. ·         Cultural expectations around home ownership have shifted dramatically. ·         The Bank of Mum and Dad plays a crucial role in helping younger buyers. ·         Rent vesting is becoming a popular strategy for young investors. ·         Generation X is squeezed between supporting their children and aging parents. ·         Policymakers need to consider strategies to make housing more affordable. ·         Long-term strategies and education are key for younger generations. ·         Every generation faces unique challenges based on their historical context. ·         Wealth transfer from baby boomers to younger generations is significant.   Chapters  01:55 Introduction to Generational Wealth Dynamics 02:49 Wealth Distribution and Baby Boomers 06:35 Challenges for Younger Generations 12:31 Cultural Shifts and Housing Expectations 17:01 The Squeeze on Generation X 20:36 Emerging Trends: Rent Vesting 22:18 Policy Recommendations for Future Generations   Links and Resources: Answer this week’s trivia question here- www.PropertyTrivia.com.au ·         Win a hard copy of How to Grow a Multi-Million Dollar Property Portfolio – in your spare time. ·         Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What’s ahead for property for 2025 and beyond   Michael Yardney  Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan Click here and have a chat with us Simon Kuestenmacher: Australia’s leading demographer and partner in the Demographics Group Get a bundle of free reports and eBooks – www.PodcastBonus.com.au  Also, please subscribe to our other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for  Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.