Many things about Australia are going to change beyond recognition over the next decade and we covered those in detail, in our last episode.
But here's the flip side, and it might be even more important for your decisions. There are forces running through Australian life that no election, no interest rate cycle, and no piece of new technology is going to shift.
Today Simon Kuestenmacher and I are looking at ten constants. The things you can bank on regardless of who's in Canberra or what AI does to the workforce.
These constants matter because long-term decisions cannot be based solely on predicting what will change. They must also be grounded in the enduring human needs and behaviours that continue across generations.
We'll get into why Australians will keep chasing homeownership even as it gets harder. Why our cities will keep sucking in population no matter how normalised remote work becomes. Why property cycles aren't going anywhere, and why forecasting will keep getting things wrong while still being worth doing.
By the end of this episode you'll have the second half of the picture. Ten things changing, ten things staying the same, and a clear view of Australia in 2036.
We also examine why Australia will remain attractive to migrants, how population growth will continue favouring major capital cities, and why people and employment keep clustering around opportunity.
We explore Australia's ongoing housing shortage, the financial barriers that prevent approved developments from being completed, and why infrastructure will continue struggling to keep pace with population growth.
We also consider the persistence of economic and property cycles, Australia's growing inequality, and how demographic analysis can support better long-term investment decisions despite uncertain forecasts.
Takeaways
• Australia's migration appeal rests on safety, stability, jobs, healthcare and lifestyle.
• Major capital cities will capture most population growth.
• Knowledge-based jobs encourage continued clustering around major centres.
• Home ownership remains deeply embedded in Australian aspirations.
• Family formation drives demand for larger homes.
• Housing supply stays restricted when development lacks financial viability.
• Infrastructure repeatedly lags behind population growth pressures.
• Human behaviour ensures property and economic cycles continue.
• National averages conceal major differences between local markets.
• Demographics improve decision-making without eliminating future uncertainty.
Chapters
• 02:08 - Australia stays an attractive destination for migrants
• 04:16 - Growth keeps concentrating in the big five cities
• 08:01 - The desire to own a home is not going anywhere
• 11:02 - Why Australia will keep falling short on housing
• 26:10 - Why forecasts will keep getting things wrong
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 & Wealth Creation Australia | 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.
About Demographics Decoded
Demographics drive economic performance, workforce participation and long-term prosperity.
Demographics Decoded explores:
• Workforce participation trends in Australia
• Labour shortages and skills gaps
• Productivity and economic growth
• Urbanisation and employment hubs
• Small business and demographic demand
• The future of work in Australia
• Education, skills and economic mobility
• Regional economic development
If you're a business owner, investor or decision maker who wants to anticipate structural change rather than react to headlines, this podcast gives you the demographic intelligence to stay ahead.
Explore more insights at:
https://demographicsdecoded.com.au
