15 October 2025
New research from OurTop10 reveals Australia's hidden property opportunities within major cities as retirees relocate, creating less competitive markets for family home buyers.
Australia's aging population has created an unprecedented challenge for family home buyers, with the over-65 population surging 16.6% over five years. These mostly cashed-up retirees, many benefiting from decades of property growth, have dominated housing markets nationwide.
However, new analysis by OurTop10 has identified specific city areas where this trend is reversing, creating unique opportunities for families to secure homes without the intense bidding wars that have characterised Australia's property market.
We have identified the top 5 areas in each capital city with populations above 1,000, focusing on areas with houses available rather than inner-city apartment living.
Despite the growing tree change trend, 68% of Australians still live in capital cities, and most working families remain tied to major metropolitan areas due to employment commitments. This makes finding hidden gems within city areas vital for families seeking affordable housing options without sacrificing career prospects or urban amenities.
The research reveals that while Australia's retirement population continues to grow nationally, certain pockets within major cities are experiencing significant declines in their over-65 populations as retirees downsize, relocate to retirement communities, or move to regional lifestyle destinations.
Brisbane presents the most compelling opportunity for family buyers, with 27 of 237 areas showing declining over-65 populations despite the city's overall retirement growth being among the nation's highest.
Top 5 Brisbane areas with declining over-65 populations:
| Area | Location (from city centre) | 1 Year Change | 5 Year Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Holland Park West | 8km southeast | -4.0% | -9.5% |
| 2 | Geebung | 11km north | -3.3% | 0.8% |
| 3 | Salisbury & Nathan | 9-10km south | -2.7% | -4.1% |
| 4 | Keperra | 10km northwest | -2.2% | -5.7% |
| 5 | Carseldine | 13-14km north | -2.2% | -5.9% |
Holland Park West leads with a sustained decline across both timeframes, offering inner-south proximity with established trends. The southern corridor shows particular promise with multiple declining areas, while northern suburbs like Geebung represent emerging opportunities where families can get ahead of new trends.
"Brisbane's data tells a fascinating story," says Simon Ma, CEO of OurTop10. "Holland Park West's sustained 9.6% decline over five years, accelerating to 4% this year, shows this isn't a temporary blip. Meanwhile, areas like Geebung represent emerging opportunities where families can get ahead of established trends. The geographic spread from inner-south to outer-north means families have options regardless of their work location."
https://www.datawrapper.de/_/FyPAG/
Despite Sydney's notorious housing competition, certain areas show declining over-65 populations, offering hope for family buyers in Australia's most expensive market.
Top 5 Sydney areas with declining over-65 populations:
| Area | Location (from city centre) | 1 Year Change | 5 Year Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glenfield | 36 km southwest | -3.9% | -5.6% |
| 2 | Belrose | 19 km northeast | -3.1% | -7.6% |
| 3 | Wyoming (Central Coast) | 76 km north | -2.4% | -3.2% |
| 4 | Kingsford | 7 km southeast | -2.2% | -4.7% |
| 5 | Kincumber (Central Coast) | 86 km north-northeast | -2.2% | 3.6% |