The growing impact of Australia’s evolving ‘grandparent economy’
As baby boomers age, they’re being increasingly relied upon to assist younger generations financially — and it’s not about helping out with the babysitting
2 min
Baby boomers make up just 21 percent of the population but hold almost half of the nation’s private wealth, creating a ‘grandparent economy’. McCrindle Research said the trend indicated it would have a significant influence in today’s society and directly contribute to the financial wellbeing of younger generations.
The impact of baby boomer wealth is routinely seen in the property market, with boomers often observed at auctions standing side-by-side with their younger relatives as they bid for a potential new home. The Bank of Mum and Dad is likely a significant contributor to above-average first-homebuyer activity in a market with rising values and interest rates at their highest point in 13 years.
CoreLogic recently cited figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing first home buyers comprise 28.7 percent of new owner-occupier finance, well above the decade average of 24.6 percent. One might assume that over the year to May 31, when the median national home value rose 8.3 percent and the official interest rate went another 0.5 percent higher, first home buyers’ budgets and borrowing capacity may have been squeezed. Instead, the value of their loans rose by 10.1 percent.
McCrindle says: “Baby Boomers … are having significant impacts in the economic landscape, showcasing their pivotal role in wealth transfers as they actively contribute to and shape the financial dynamics over the years ahead. Over the next two decades, we anticipate that $6.2 trillion of wealth will be transferred to younger generations. As a result, the grandparent economy is rising, facilitating wealth and contributing to the financial wellbeing of younger generations.”
In a survey published last year, McCrindle found grandparents were acutely aware of their younger relatives’ financial challenges. When asked about their greatest concerns for them, 77 percent cited the rising cost of living and 72 percent nominated the rising cost of buying a home. These concerns are influencing baby boomers’ own financial decisions, with 32 percent intending to pass on more than 50 percent of their wealth directly to their grandchildren.
A recent report published by Colonial First State found three in four Australians plan to set aside a portion of their superannuation to pass on as an inheritance. Another survey by financial advisory company Findex found providing for relatives was a key motivator for 29 percent of investors.
McCrindle says: “As the current generation of grandparents continue to live longer and remain active well into their later years, their investments in properties and superannuation funds become pivotal components of the broader economic landscape. This trend signifies a notable shift in the traditional roles of grandparents, who are now not just recipients of support but active participants and contributors to the evolving economic dynamics, embodying the essence of the new investor in the financial landscape in the years to come.”
McCrindle Research shows two in five young Australians have received assistance from their grandparents. Most of that help is financial, including inheritances, living with them rent free, or paying cheap board, and getting help with everyday bills.
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Mirvac’s 45-level Trielle has topped out at Yarra’s Edge, pairing riverfront apartments with wellness facilities, private dining and resident services.
3 min
Mirvac has topped out Trielle at Melbourne’s Yarra’s Edge, with more than 70 per cent of the riverfront development sold and approximately 80 per cent of purchasers intending to make their apartment a home.
The figures, released on September 22, point to an owner-occupier audience for one of the precinct’s final residential towers. Mirvac began developing Yarra’s Edge in 2003, and its latest addition occupies one of the remaining absolute riverfront sites.
Mirvac CEO of Development Stuart Penklis said existing residents were among those moving up within the neighbourhood.
“Many purchasers already have a connection to Yarra’s Edge,” Mr Penklis said, describing buyers whose changing needs were encouraging an upgrade within the precinct.
“As one of the final residential towers within Yarra’s Edge, Trielle represents the culmination of more than two decades of creating one of Melbourne’s most established and sought-after waterfront communities,” Penklis said.
“Positioned on the Collins Street axis with absolute river frontage, Trielle offers residents a rare opportunity to enjoy sweeping views across the Yarra River, Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay, while remaining seamlessly connected to the CBD. With Trielle now more than 70 per cent sold, we’re continuing to see strong demand from buyers seeking quality homes in established locations.”
The developer also flagged a penthouse and sub-penthouse collection with larger layouts, premium finishes and broad outlooks. The planned wellness centrepiece, The Oasis, encompasses a 900-square-metre elevated urban rainforest.
Mirvac General Manager Residential Development Victoria Elysa Anderson said Trielle had resonated strongly with buyers seeking a rare lifestyle offering in Melbourne.
“Opportunities to secure a new luxury residence on a riverfront site of this calibre are incredibly rare, particularly within a community like Yarra’s Edge,” Anderson said.
“What makes Trielle unique is the combination of exceptional views, world-class residential facilities and the lifestyle that already exists around it. Residents are buying into a mature waterfront community with parks, promenades, dining, wellness and strong community connections already in place.”
The 45-level tower brings a substantial new presence to that waterfront. Its residential offering spans one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, with Signature, Prestige and Sub-Penthouse collections accommodating different household sizes. The north-facing position connects the apartments visually to the river and city beyond.
Seven storeys above the promenade, the planned Oasis combines planting and a running stream with a Scandinavian-inspired wellness club developed with spa specialist Naomi Gregory. Facilities include a 25-metre lap pool, hot magnesium pool, sauna, hydrotherapy, a gym, yoga and Pilates room, and treatment spaces.
The amenity extends beyond exercise. Residents will have access to The Biblioteca library and workspaces, ground-floor work pods, and The Salone piano lounge. A private Chef’s Table dining room offers a setting for larger gatherings, while a cinema, games room and sports lounge broaden the entertaining options. Concierge services and a dog-wash area support everyday routines.
Trielle comprises a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences. Reflecting strong demand from owner occupiers, approximately 80 per cent of purchasers to date intend to live in their homes, highlighting the project’s appeal to those seeking a long-term waterfront lifestyle.
Mirvac has recently delivered The Albertine, a premium apartment development on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD, and is nearing completion of Prince & Parade in Brunswick, further strengthening its portfolio of thoughtfully designed apartment communities in some of Melbourne’s most sought-after urban locations.
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