Over the last decade or so a lower proportion of young Australians have embraced home ownership than previously. This trend is in part associated with changing patterns of family formation among young people. They are staying in education longer, delaying marriage, and having their first child later in life 1 . Consistent with these changes, young people have been delaying buying their first home. As a proportion of all income units in each age group.
Some young people purchase their first home before they establish family relationships of their own.
Of all income unit types, young couples are most likely to be first home buyers. Nevertheless, while clearly still strong, the importance of registered marriage has diminished for making the commitment that accompanies purchasing a home. Types and characteristics of dwellings purchased Although separate houses have continued to be the most favoured form of housing, there has been some shift among first home buyers towards higher density housing. Between 1988 and 1997-98 there was also, among first home buyers, movement away from buying new homes towards buying homes that had been previously lived in. This change, as well as the move away from separate houses, suggests that homes in more established areas have become more affordable and popular with first home buyers than homes in urban fringe developments.