As the next generation enters the market, buyers are increasingly acting like investors, with AI reshaping decisions as the industry balances innovation with trust.

A new survey has found that the younger generation of buyers have been reshaping the property market, 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 said the report showed 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,” Stromsoe said.

The report found that more than one in three Australians plan to purchase one investment property within the next three years.

Data showed investment property ambitions have risen from 24 per cent in 2024 to 27 per cent in 2025 and to 38 per cent 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.”

Investment opportunities were found to be even stronger for younger Australians, with Gen Z 50 per cent more likely than average to consider rentvesting.

For younger buyers, key drivers included generating rental income at 36 per cent, entering the market sooner at 22 per cent, and viewing it as a lower-risk option at 17 per cent.

Stromsoe said the emerging trends highlighted the younger generation’s adaptability to today’s dynamic property market.

“Younger Australians are fuelled by ambition and adaptability,” Stromsoe said.

“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.”

In addition to considering rentvesting, the younger buyer cohorts have been increasingly using AI to seek financial advice.

Data showed 27 per cent of Australians used AI for financial information, with more than one in five receiving advice from ChatGPT or similar tools in the past 12 months, led by younger cohorts.

In total, 38 per cent of Gen Z and 34 per cent of Millennials said they use AI to build financial knowledge and make financial decisions, compared with 15 per cent of Gen X and 5 per cent of Baby Boomers reporting 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.”

Stromsoe said that despite rising AI use, human advice remained the most trusted for major financial decisions, with 69 per cent of Australians valuing guidance from brokers or advisers more than AI.

“While the landscape continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: Australians’ determination to find smarter, more flexible paths forward,” he added.

This article was first published on Real Estate Business, a sister-brand of Property Buzz.