Page 6 - FWP Wealth Adviser newsletter - Issue 117: August 2025

ISSUE 117
AUGUST 2025

implications for mental health, housing policy, and social laws, yet grappling with the financial reality that, for many,
equality, the question becomes: how best to support love and autonomy have become entangled with property
Australians navigating these challenges? values. When the numbers no longer add up, the decision to
Some experts advocate for expanded affordable housing separate is not just emotional or personal—it is fundamen-
initiatives, reforms to rental assistance and superannuation tally economic.
policies, and better access to financial advice for couples As Professor Stephen Whelan observed:
contemplating separation. “While the law may make divorce straightforward in theory,
“Professional advisers recommend planning for financial for many couples today, it’s the cost of a new house—or even
contingencies—before, during, and after marriage. This just a new rental—that keeps them together.” (University of
includes establishing clear communication about finances, Sydney News)
understanding joint and individual property rights, and Understanding and addressing these financial ties is cen-
considering the long-term implications of home ownership.” tral to achieving well-being, whether one remains married
(Synthesis from all articles) or moves on. For every Australian household caught in this
Financial literacy, pre-nuptial or binding financial agree- bind, knowledge, planning, and support are more valuable
ments, and open discussions about home ownership and as- than ever.
sets are increasingly part of prudent relationship planning.
Couples and individuals are urged to seek guidance early
and often not only from legal counsel but also from financial References
advisers, to ensure they understand their options. • Whelan, S. & Hartigan, L. (2025). “Soaring house prices may be locking
International evidence suggests similar patterns where people into marriages.” Firstlinks | The Conversation (republished). July
housing markets overheat: divorce rates drop, but family 2025.
satisfaction and personal autonomy may suffer as a result • University of Sydney News. (2025). “Soaring house prices may be
(Smith, J., 2022, “Housing Markets and Family Mobility,” locking people into marriages, new research shows.” 15 July 2025.
Oxford Review of Economic Policy). • The Conversation. (2025). “Soaring house prices may be locking people
Moving forward, balancing the freedom granted by mod- into marriages, new research shows.” 13 July 2025.
ern laws with the constraints of today’s property market will • Ticker News. (2025). “Soaring house prices may be locking people into
require both individual adaptation and collective action. As marriages.” 14 July 2025.
the cost of living continues to rise, and the dream of home • Smith, J. (2022). “Housing Markets and Family Mobility.” Oxford Review
ownership becomes ever more elusive, the bonds of mar- of Economic Policy, 38(3).
riage are being tested in new—and distinctly financial—ways.
All articles relied upon in this piece were published in July 2025 unless
Conclusion otherwise indicated.
Today, Australia stands at a crossroads: proud of its
tradition of home ownership, shaped by progressive family

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