Actually there is shortage of land where most Australian's want to live-near the beach. So although it is true that there is an abundance of land in general, most people do not want to reside in remote, inland regions. Statistics support this argument: 85% of Australians currently live within 50k/m of the coast.
Environmental Policy that restricts urban development is increasing, resulting in further pressure on vacant land in coastal areas. So in years to come land values along the coast will only rise further. The bush is obviously a different matter entirely.
Many people also argue that when the Baby Boomers retire, they will be in much better health than the previous generation, and will not move into retirement villages or nursing homes, but alternatively downsize form larger homes in Capital cities to smaller dwellings in lifestyle towns on the coast.
Already the fastest growing towns, in percentage terms, are located on the coast, such as Hervey Bay and Agnes Water in Queensland. Although these towns are also benefiting from down-shifters or down-sizers, people selling their homes in the Capital cities and seeking a lifestyle change.
Therefore I find it interesting that some people view the fact that the Baby Boomers retiring will have a negative affect on all property markets? Maybe becuase such people do not understand the fundamentals of individual markets, such as population growth, demographic and sociological determinants and availalibity of vacant land, or simply chose to analyse the Australian property market as one market?
Whatever the case, if that is the way you analyse any Australian property than you have a lot to learn.
