A Senate committee is examining intergenerational housing inequity, hearing that young Australians face a precarious market largely at the mercy of lenders.

Mitchell argues that home ownership has become a speculative investment tied to professional landlords, making it harder for first-home buyers to enter the market.

Wealth accumulation through capital gains concessions means home ownership increasingly reflects parental wealth, centralizing wealth among a privileged cohort.

Australia’s peak union body says the social contract on housing is broken after three decades of rising prices and concentrated ownership, calling the system unjust.

The Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia calls for better education on home loan credit, more lender transparency on approval criteria, and more dynamic loan assessments to reduce delays.

ACTU argues public housing has declined and is now mainly emergency accommodation rather than a broad, accessible option.

Banks are set to appear before the inquiry; data shows the major lenders earned about $16.9 billion from owner-occupier home loans in 2025.

Advocates say limited access to credit and a complex lending ecosystem contribute to intergenerational disadvantage in wealth accumulation via housing.

The inquiry will address renters’ rights, with Greens to highlight that about a third of Australians rent and criticize past policies for favoring corporate interests.

Despite lending activity, thousands struggle to secure loans, perpetuating cycles of renting and delayed wealth-building through housing.

The Senate Select Committee on Intergenerational Housing is examining causes of inequality, policy settings, and demographic experiences, with a report due on September 30.