A foot in the door: How two Gen-Z sisters bought their first home in Melbourne

Marina Gainulina
12:00pm November 17 2025

Gen-Z sisters Sam (left) and Hollie (right) share how they bought their first Melbourne home, with tips and insights for young Australians navigating today’s property market. (Image supplied)

For many young Australians, the path to home ownership is a marathon, not a sprint. And getting a foot on the property ladder now often requires a bit of clever and creative thinking. 

 

For sisters Hollie, 28, an accountant, and Sam, 24, a law graduate, buying their first apartment in Melbourne was the result of years of planning, sacrifice and teamwork.

 

Why are Gen Z Aussies are buying homes in 2025? Security and independence

 

Hollie and Sam’s story is driven by a desire for financial security, stability, and independence – motivations echoed by many in their generation. “We wanted a place that felt like ours - a solid footing for the future,” says Hollie. 

 

According to the latest Westpac Home Ownership Report, 35% of Gen Z Australians plan to buy their first home within five years. Escaping the rental cycle (32%) and building financial independence (37%) are cited in the Westpac data as the top drivers.  

 

“Gen Z are leaning in despite higher hurdles,” said James Hutton, Westpac Managing Director, Mortgages.

 

“They’re maintaining flexibility in their plans, considering available support, and signalling they won’t stay renters forever. That upswing matters for supply and affordability conversations in Australia over the coming years,” he says.

 

Both sisters lived in Melbourne their whole lives, so it felt fitting to look for a property here. Hollie moved back in with her parents after university to save, while Sam stayed at home during her studies, working part-time and saving steadily. “We both started saving hard in 2024, but our deposit journey really began years earlier,” Sam says.

 

How can young people save for a house deposit faster?

 

Their approach reflects a broader trend: young buyers are making significant lifestyle changes to boost their savings. “We cut back on non-essentials - nights out became coffee runs, and every savings [dollar] had a job,” Sam explains. Hollie skipped the overseas pilgrimage typical for many Australian university graduates, focusing instead on building her deposit. 

 

Thinking outside the box to boost borrowing power

 

As two independent young women, Hollie and Sam realised that combining their incomes would significantly increase their borrowing power. “We were lucky to be on the same page about buying together,” Hollie says. 

 

They set a realistic deposit target, mirroring the experience of more than half of Gen Z buyers who are moving ahead with deposits below 10%. “Most of our friends have used government schemes to help with their deposit,” Sam adds.

 

They also credit their home finance manager for guiding them through the process and helping them understand the true costs involved - stamp duty and other fees, along with support available via the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme.

 

“Our Westpac home finance manager Olinka was amazing - she was always available and took the time to take us through the process from start to finish - you don’t know what you don’t know,” says Hollie.

 

How to choose your first home

 

The pair knew from the outset that their first property would be an apartment, in a bid to balance cost and maintenance. They were open to a range of suburbs, eventually settling on Bentleigh - although it wasn’t necessarily their first choice, it was a location that kept coming up as affordable.

 

“We’re happy to be here,” says Hollie now. “It’s a foot in the door and a foundation for the future.”

 

“Demand from younger buyers is picking up, and the expanded government guarantee is likely 

to fast‑track purchase decisions,” said Westpac Senior Economist Matthew Hassan.

 

Westpac Senior Economist Matthew Hassan sees affordability and supply as the two big challenges for buyers of all ages. “Listings are scarce, forcing many to broaden their search to new areas and property types,” he says.

 

Hollie and Sam’s experience echoes a growing flexibility among first home buyers, with many willing to consider new areas and property types to ensure their dream becomes a reality.

 

Why pre-approval matters for first home buyers

 

A key turning point was securing conditional pre-approval, which gave them confidence at inspections and auctions. “Pre-approval changed our mindset,” Hollie says. “We stopped browsing and started buying. It made the process feel real, not theoretical.” 

 

They also credit their home finance manager for guiding them through the process and helping them understand the true costs involved - stamp duty, lenders mortgage insurance, and other fees, along with support available via the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme. 

 

A first home, and what comes next

 

Hollie and Sam are clear-eyed about their purchase. “This isn’t our forever home - we don’t expect to be living together in 15 years’ time,” Sam says. 

 

“But it’s a start, and we’re thinking about keeping it as a long-term investment.” 

 

Tips for first home buyers, from those who have survived it

 

Hollie and Sam offer these tips:

 

  • Define your ‘why’: Know what home ownership means to you. Why do you want it - stability, community, a sense of agency, or something else entirely?

  • Give every dollar a job: Automate savings and use calculators to track progress

  • Get pre-approval early: It turns intent into action and makes negotiating clearer

  • Be flexible: Consider trade-offs on location, size or aesthetics/cosmetic work

  • Know the costs: Understand all upfront expenses to avoid painful and expensive surprises

 

For further resources and guidance tailored to first home buyers, visit here. 

Marina Gainulina

Marina Gainulina is a Content Producer for Westpac Wire, with ten years of experience in marketing communications. She holds a Bachelor of Communications & Media (Journalism) degree and a drive to connect with discerning audiences via authentic storytelling across mediums. She has managed editorial and brand comms for the likes of Tiffany & Co., Hugo Boss, NIVEA and GRAZIA.

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