A new survey conducted by Great Southern Bank found that the younger generation of buyers have been reshaping the property market, by using AI to build financial and property knowledge as investment ambition rises.
In the second phase of the No Place Like Home report ‘Clever’, Great Southern Bank examined Australians’ new ways to learn, plan and act before home ownership, finding a rise in investment strategy and use of AI for financial advice.
Great Southern Bank Chief Customer Officer Rolf Stromsoe stated the report illustrated a shift in how Australians approach home ownership itself.
“Younger generations in particular are thinking differently – exploring strategies like rentvesting, seeking more transparent buying experiences, and setting their sights on long-term wealth through property investment.”
Rolf Stromsoe, Chief Customer Officer, Great Southern Bank
The report discovered that over one in three Australians expect to purchase one investment property within the next three years.
Data illustrated investment property ambitions have climbed from 24% in 2024, 27% in 2025 and to 38% in 2026.
“This shift reflects growing confidence in the property market. As more Australians look to build wealth through property, the desire for long-term financial security continues to drive interest in real estate investment.”
Rolf Stromsoe, Chief Customer Officer, Great Southern Bank
Investment opportunities were uncovered to be even stronger for younger Australians, with Gen Z 50% on average more likely to consider rentvesting.
For younger buyers, key indicators included generating rental income at 36%, entering the market sooner at 22%, and viewing it as a lower-risk option at 17%.
Rolf mentions the emerging patterns illustrated the younger generation’s adaptability to the current dynamic property market.
“Younger Australians are fuelled by ambition and adaptability. While market conditions are shifting the pathways to home ownership, they’re not dampening aspirations – we’re seeing young buyers remain determined to achieve their goals.”
Rolf Stromsoe, Chief Customer Officer, Great Southern Bank
Further to considering rentvesting, the younger buyer cohorts have been increasingly using AI to look for financial advice.
Data illustrates 27% of Australians used AI for financial information, with over one in five receiving advice from ChatGPT or similar tools in the past 12 months, led by younger cohorts.
In total, 38% of Gen Z and 34% of millennials commented they use AI to build financial knowledge and make financial decisions, in contrast with 15% of Gen X and 5% of baby boomers advising the same.
“We’re seeing more Australians turning to AI for quick financial insights, particularly younger generations. While AI can be a helpful first step, it’s important to cross-check everything you see online. While the landscape continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: Australians’ determination to find smarter, more flexible paths forward.
Rolf Stromsoe, Chief Customer Officer, Great Southern Bank
Rolf adds that despite a rise in the use of AI, human advice remains as the most trusted source for major financial decisions, with 69% of Australians valuing guidance from brokers or advisers more than AI.
