Originally published: news.com.au, 25 April 2026
More than half of Australia’s next generation are ditching the dream of homeownership for a property overseas, and they’re bringing 30 per cent of Queenslanders with them.
New research by financial firm money.com.au revealed the alarming statistics, with Europe marked as the top continent for potential buyers.
Property expert Nick Burgess said the trend was being pushed by younger people who no longer expected to own an Aussie home: now wanting an escape from soaring housing expenses and interest rate rises.
“Younger Aussies in particular are starting to question whether they’re priced out of the local market, and are increasingly comparing what their money can buy here versus overseas,” he said.
Nationally, a whopping 58 per cent of Gen Z Aussies surveyed said they were looking for property overseas, with 31 per cent seeking an investment property and 15 per cent looking for a relocation.
Millennials came in at just under half with 46 per cent interested. Meanwhile, only 27 per cent of Gen X Aussies were keen on the idea, with Baby Boomers at just 10 per cent.
“Queenslanders are exposed to a lot of international influence through tourism and expat communities,” Mr Burgess said.
“They’re regularly hearing stories about cheaper property markets or different lifestyles overseas. When local housing becomes harder to afford, people start looking abroad for alternatives.”
The research revealed 31 per cent of Queenslanders made Europe their top preference.
Money.com.au conducted the survey through market researcher Pureprofile in March of 2026, speaking to more than 1,000 Australians about the topic.
