INVESTORS FLIP THE SCRIPT TO HELP FIRST HOME BUYERS

For years, first-time home buyers have blamed investors for locking them out of the market, snapping up properties, and driving prices sky-high.

But a groundbreaking Rent-to-Sell scheme is flipping the script—turning investors into key allies, helping renters break free from the cycle and step onto the property ladder.

New data from PublicSquare reveals that 500 investors per month indicate their willingness to volunteer their properties, offering a much-needed lifeline to aspiring homeowners struggling to save for a deposit in NSW and QLD.

This groundbreaking model is helping first-time home buyers break free from the rental cycle by turning typical investment properties into a structured pathway to ownership.

Investors, who often face criticism for driving housing demand, are now making homeownership possible—while securing a 50% boost in rental returns and a guaranteed future sale price.

“There’s always been this battle between first home buyers and investors, but this model is proving they can work together,” said Dean Arnold, CEO of PublicSquare.

“We’re seeing investors who were once viewed as the enemy now giving renters the best shot they’ve ever had at owning their own home.

“It’s a win-win—investors get higher returns and a secure exit strategy, while first home buyers get a genuine pathway to ownership without needing a massive deposit upfront.”

With demand skyrocketing, there is now a three-month waitlist for investors eager to participate in the program, which is exclusive to NSW and Queensland. Meanwhile, thousands of pre-approved homebuyers are waiting for their chance to move in and begin their journey toward homeownership.

Making Homeownership Achievable

PublicSquare’s Rent-to-Buy model is proving to be a game-changer in a housing market where many Australians feel locked out.

First home buyers can move into a property with just 1.1% of the valuation upfront—a fraction of a traditional deposit. Instead of struggling to save while renting, tenants pay an additional 50% in rent each week, which goes directly toward their deposit.

Over time, this structured approach helps renters build savings while locking in a pre-set purchase price range, shielding them from future property price hikes.

The program ensures that only financially capable applicants are approved.

In New South Wales, only 41% of applicants meet the eligibility criteria, meaning they can afford both market rent and the additional deposit-building rent premium.

In Queensland, just 28% of applicants qualify, highlighting the program’s commitment to responsible homeownership.

The Investor Shift

With 30% of Australians now owning an investment property and the ATO reporting that 60% of these properties don’t generate enough rent to cover mortgage repayments and upkeep costs, the Rent-to-Buy model is changing the way property investment works. Investors who take part in the program benefit from:

50% higher rental income, providing immediate financial relief while helping first home buyers.
Guaranteed future sale price range, giving certainty for both investors and buyers.
Long-term, committed tenants, as renters are future homeowners who treat the property as their own.
Portfolio growth opportunities, using increased rental income to secure more investments.

Arnold says the overwhelming demand shows the model is working.

“We’ve got over 45,000 eager homebuyers ready to take their first step toward ownership. Investors are recognising they don’t have to be seen as the bad guys—they can be the ones giving renters a real shot at owning their home, while securing their own financial future,” he said.

A New Era

Instead of waiting years to save a deposit while paying ever-rising rent, first home buyers now have an opportunity to move in and gradually secure their home while avoiding skyrocketing property prices. Meanwhile, investors have a sustainable way to expand their portfolios and ensure steady, reliable rental income.

“This is about flipping the narrative,” Arnold said. “For once, investors and first home buyers aren’t on opposite sides—they’re working together. Rent-to-Buy is proving that investors don’t have to be the villains of the housing market; they can be the reason renters finally become homeowners.”

Australia’s housing debate is often dominated by affordability and supply, but a new collaboration between Brickworks and acclaimed architecture firm Kennedy Nolan argues the conversation should also focus on the quality and longevity of the homes being built.

The project, titled Our Next Neighbourhood, examines how suburban housing could evolve in response to shrinking block sizes, rising energy costs, increasing density and changing family structures.

Rather than proposing luxury dream homes, the initiative focuses on what its creators describe as achievable suburban housing models that are more flexible, sustainable, and better suited to modern Australian life.

Brickworks commissioned Kennedy Nolan to investigate what suburban housing might look like if “design, long-term liveability and enduring materials were placed at the centre of the conversation”.

The result is two housing concepts, known as the Street Terrace and Canopy Terrace, which explore higher-density living while maintaining access to green space, natural light and privacy.

The designs incorporate adaptable floorplans that can evolve as family needs change, along with passive design principles intended to reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.

Brett Ward, General Manager of Marketing at Brickworks, said the company wanted to broaden the discussion around housing beyond simply increasing supply.

“Much of the housing conversation today is understandably focused on supply and affordability, but there is an equally important discussion to be had about the quality and longevity of the homes we build,” he said.

“We wanted to explore how thoughtful design, combined with durable, resilient materials, could create homes that not only function well today, but continue to support Australian families and communities long into the future.”

Kennedy Nolan said the project was partly inspired by concerns that contemporary housing often struggles to adapt to changing household structures and environmental pressures.

The architects said innovation in suburban housing was “essential” to address changing family groupings, energy use, urban heat island effects and growing disconnection from place.

According to the design team, the concepts draw on lessons from some of Australia’s most influential housing projects while seeking to create neighbourhoods with stronger links to landscape, community and local identity.

Rachel Nolan, founder of Kennedy Nolan, said the practice saw an opportunity to reimagine suburban housing as something “more connected to our climate, our landscape, our communities and our Australian identity”.

The project comes as policymakers, developers and planners continue searching for ways to deliver more housing without sacrificing liveability, neighbourhood character or long-term sustainability.

INVESTORS FLIP THE SCRIPT TO HELP FIRST HOME BUYERS

Investors are registering to help first home buyers own sooner while strengthening their own portfolios.

Making Homeownership Achievable

The Investor Shift

A New Era

Brickworks has enlisted acclaimed architecture studio Kennedy Nolan to explore how homes could become more adaptable, energy-efficient and connected to community.