Half of Australians fear they'll never retire as housing costs bite

Australia's retirement crisis just got measurably worse. Nearly 38% of superannuation members now fear they cannot retire — up from 28% in 2024 — while housing costs have overtaken daily expenses as people's biggest financial worry. The numbers reveal a structural shift: Australians estimate they need at least $1.25 million to feel secure, compared to just $350,000 in France and Germany where generous government benefits reduce the burden. Two-thirds expect to work longer than planned, and four in five believe they have a 40% chance of outliving their savings — despite data showing typical retirees die with 90% of their super intact.