With property prices continuing to rise, Gen Z is shifting towards high-risk investments such as crypto and NFTs in an effort to secure financial growth. This trend appears to reflect economic disillusionment more than financial irresponsibility. Research indicates that the generation’s financial choices are shaped by the rising difficulty of entering the housing market, raising questions about how young people are adjusting in economies that no longer support traditional financial strategies.
Today's young adults are navigating a markedly different financial environment to their parents. Often criticised for job dissatisfaction or for prioritising experiences over saving, this generation is responding to property prices that have far surpassed wage growth, especially in the US, UK and Australia. As home ownership becomes less achievable, more are turning to riskier investments. This is not due to laziness but instead a result of altered economic conditions that compel Gen Z to look for new ways to achieve financial stability.
Recent research from leading academic institutions has revealed more about this pattern. Findings show that Gen Z adults living in high-cost housing areas and unable to afford homes are more likely to spend freely, avoid working overtime and take greater financial risks, including stock trading, cryptocurrency and online betting. In contrast, individuals nearing the point of home ownership tend to adopt more cautious financial behaviours and invest more effort in their careers. The connection between housing affordability and work habits is becoming increasingly evident.
Looking at the broader picture, the consequences are substantial. As owning a home becomes less attainable for many young adults, there is a growing trend towards what some experts term "financial nihilism" where traditional values such as saving and working hard seem less meaningful. This mindset affects more than just the property market. It has consequences for workplace performance, consumer behaviour and long-term economic health. Gen Z is not rejecting the system simply to be rebellious, they are responding to a financial structure that feels increasingly unfair.
