A Record Number of Kiwis Are Moving to Australia
In 2024, a staggering 46,900 New Zealanders made the move to Australia. This figure represents 53% of all Kiwis who left New Zealand to live in another country, with 84% of them being New Zealand citizens. Over the past decade, the average number of Kiwis moving to Australia sat closer to 30,000 per year. Now, that number has skyrocketed.
The big question is—why? More and more Kiwis are seeking better opportunities, higher wages, and improved lifestyles. Australia offers stronger job markets, greater economic stability, and access to better housing incentives. As a result, a growing number of Kiwis are rethinking their long-term plans and looking to put down roots in Australia.
Why Kiwis Didn’t Buy Property in the Past
The mass migration of Kiwis to Australia isn’t a new phenomenon. Large waves of New Zealanders moved in the 1970s and 1980s, but during that time, most actively chose to rent instead of buy. The common thinking was that their move was temporary, and many believed they would eventually return to New Zealand.
This decision meant that a huge number of Kiwis missed out on the chance to build wealth through property. Instead of securing real estate, they remained renters in places like Bondi, Kensington, Kings Cross, and Maroubra in Sydney, as well as areas like Manly on the Northern Beaches. Renting might have felt like the safer option at the time, but in hindsight, it meant missing out on decades of property growth and long-term financial security.
A Shift in Thinking: Homeownership Now the Smart Choice
Fast forward to today, and things have changed. Kiwis are no longer treating Australia as just a short-term stop. Many now recognise that they are likely to stay longer than they originally planned. The old belief of “we’re only here for a while” is giving way to “let’s set ourselves up properly.”
This shift in mindset is leading more Kiwis to consider homeownership. They are realising that continuing to rent means missing out on wealth-building opportunities. With the cost of living rising and rental prices climbing, owning a home makes more sense than ever.
Buying a Home Has Never Been Easier for Kiwis
One of the biggest changes is that New Zealanders now have easier access to homeownership in Australia. They are eligible for government grants and incentives, making it more affordable to enter the market.
For example, in Sydney, Kiwis can buy property with as little as $33,000, while in Brisbane, the entry cost is around $37,500. These figures make buying a home much more achievable than many realise.
This opportunity marks a turning point for Kiwis in Australia. Instead of remaining long-term renters, they now have the ability to own assets, build equity, and secure their financial future.
The Power of Property: Building Generational Wealth
Owning a home isn’t just about having a place to live—it’s about long-term security. Property ownership allows people to build wealth that can be passed on to future generations. It provides stability, financial growth, and a sense of belonging.
For Kiwis in Australia, making the transition from renting to owning is one of the smartest financial decisions they can make. Instead of paying off someone else’s mortgage through rent, they can start investing in their own future.
The Time to Act Is Now
The opportunity for Kiwis to buy property in Australia has never been better. With government support, relatively low entry costs, and strong property markets, the conditions are ideal.
More Kiwis are waking up to the benefits of homeownership and realising that waiting too long could mean missing out. Those who act now will position themselves for long-term success, while those who hesitate may find themselves locked out of the market as prices rise.
If you’re a Kiwi living in Australia, now is the time to take action. The shift from being a renter to a homeowner is a game-changer—and it all starts with making the right decision today.
