Which generation had it easier in entering the property market? The case is clear

OK, let’s put the debate to bed for once and all – Baby Boomers, when it comes to entering the property market in SA, you had it easier.

Like, way easier.

Let’s dive into the numbers.

New data from MCG Quantity Surveyors shows back in 1975, a 20 per cent deposit on a median-priced home of $26,150 was $5230.

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This was the equivalent of 35 weeks worth of the typical weekly wage of $150.

Let’s fast forward 10 years, when the median is $72,200. Now, the deposit is $14,440, or 41 weeks of the average wage of $350.

When these guys bought they needed a deposit of just $5230.

Jump forward another 10, when the median is $111,500. Your deposit is $22,399, and your weekly income is now $550, of which you’ll need 41 weeks worth of it to enter the market.

It’s 2005 now, and weekly wages are now $850.

Which is handy because you’ll need the extra income to afford the $54,800 deposit on a $274,000 median priced home. How many weeks this time? That would be 64 – we’re jumping up a bit now, but we’re nowhere near stopping.

Flash forward to 2015. The median price is now $424,750, with the deposit coming in at a hefty $84,950. That’s 67 weeks worth of the typical $1265 take home.

The generation gap in home ownership is significant.

Still think your generation had it worse, Boomers? Here’s where your argument doesn’t just fall over, but it curls up and dies.

Here we are now, in 2025, where the median SA house price is $835,000. That 20 per cent deposit? That’s now a whopping $167,000 – almost double what it was just 10 years prior.

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Despite prices almost doubling, weekly wages have increased by just $195 to $1460.

The number of weeks income needed to save for that 20 per cent deposit? An astonishing 114.

Compared to a now, in hindsight, measly 35 in 1975.

Cheers to a small deposit!

At the risk of absolutely labouring the point – 114 weeks is over two year’s full time earnings.

So which generation has it harder? Unequivocally, it’s today’s. by more than 3.2 times.

The defence rests, your honour.

You win, Boomers. You had it easier. Picture: Supplied

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