The demographic time shift hiding in Australia’s property market

Australia’s population is growing – we all know that. But here’s the problem.

Most people are looking at the wrong numbers. 

They’re focused on headline population growth, migration totals, and whether we’ll hit 40 million people one day. 

What they’re missing is who is growing, when, and what stage of life they’re moving into. 

Because property markets aren’t driven by population size. They’re driven by household formation, life-stage transitions, income peaks, downsizing decisions, and care needs. 

And right now, Australia is experiencing one of the most powerful and underappreciated demographic shifts we’ve seen in decades. 

Over the next five years, we’re going to see some significant demographic shifts, meaning increased demand for different types of housing in different locations at very different price points. 

So in today’s episode, Simon Kuestenmacher and I discuss Australia’s evolving demographics and their impact on property markets. 

We analyse population projections up to 2030 and their implications for property supply and demand. 

Listen in as we provide insights to help you make informed business and investment decisions. 

Takeaways  

• Household formation drives property demand. 

• Millennials’ life stage changes impact housing needs. 

• Baby Boomers’ housing preferences are evolving. 

• Population projections influence property supply. 

• Migration affects future population growth. 

• Urban housing markets face new demands. 

• Demographic cycles should guide your investment strategies. 

• Townhouses and medium-density housing are rising. 

• Follow demographic trends for property insights. 

Join Michael and Simon at Wealth Retreat 2026, where Australia’s most ambitious investors and businesspeople gather to think bigger, invest smarter, and build intergenerational wealth. 

MAY 30th – JUNE 4th 2026 – find out more here: 

About Simon Kuestenmacher 

Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group. 

Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers.    

He ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can’t get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels. 

Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others. 

About Michael Yardney 

 Michael Yardney – founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. 

While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia’s leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation. 

Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation. 

Follow Michael on LinkedIn or Instagram 

Are you interested in property investment – let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth – producing results. 

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast, Property Investment, Success and Money |The Michael Yardney Podcast. Just look for it wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future. Or click here.