Synopsis: Over 40% of young Australians regret ignoring Bitcoin at $400, as missed crypto gains could’ve funded homes amid soaring property prices and affordability crisis.
A decade ago, Bitcoin was just $400. Today, it trades above $107,000, and for many young Australians, that missed chance hurts deeply. According to a new Swyftx–YouGov survey of 3,009 Australians, more than 40% of Gen Z and Millennials regret not buying cryptocurrency early.
Almost half of Australians under 35 now rank crypto among their top financial regrets surpassing missed opportunities in property and tech stocks like Apple or Amazon. Many say this single decision could have changed their financial path. Frankly, it’s easy to see why.
Between 2015 and 2025, Bitcoin surged over 23,000%. Small investments back then could have made home deposits today, especially as housing affordability worsens nationwide. In my view, it’s not just about FOMO it’s about missed economic mobility.
Homeownership Dreams
Australia ranks as the sixth most expensive property market globally, behind Switzerland and South Korea. Median home prices now exceed $815,000 AUD, far beyond the reach of many young workers earning around $70,000 AUD annually.
More than half of the under-35s surveyed said early crypto profits could have helped them buy property by now. Swyftx noted that many young adults feel “locked out of the property market” and see crypto as a missed bridge to achieving their housing goals.
If someone had invested a modest $5,000 in Bitcoin back in 2015, that stake could be worth more than $125,000 today enough for a down payment in Sydney or Melbourne. Personal hindsight aside, that’s a painful ‘what if’ for thousands still renting.
A Swyftx spokesperson said, “Housing unaffordability at this scale is something other generations didn’t face. Crypto offered a chance to get ahead.” Truthfully, that chance now feels out of reach for many.
Changing Attitudes Toward Crypto Investing
Despite past regrets, younger Australians are not turning away from cryptocurrency. In fact, the gap between those planning to invest in stocks versus crypto has halved since 2022. Swyftx CEO Jason Titman believes it may take just two more years for Bitcoin ownership among young investors to match share ownership rates.
Currently, around 20% of Australians own crypto, with Gen Z adoption rising sharply to 21%. Profits also remain strong 82% of holders made gains in the past year, averaging nearly $10,000 AUD.
Swyftx said younger investors increasingly prefer “high-beta assets” and understand crypto’s potential, despite its volatility. Personally, that sounds like a bold mindset less fear, more forward view.
However, the company also emphasized one key obstacle: regulation. Titman said a “big bang of investment” could follow clear rules on custody, taxation, and licensing. Many wait-and-watch investors still hesitate, fearing limited protection.
Missed Chance
For many, crypto is no longer just a speculative bet it’s a symbol of what could have been. Yet optimism hasn’t vanished. More than 75% of current holders expect further price gains, particularly as institutional buyers and pension funds accumulate Bitcoin and Ether.
In the United States, regulatory certainty has already drawn major banks into the crypto space. Australia’s Labor government proposed a similar regulatory framework in March, aiming to place crypto exchanges under financial services laws. If passed soon, it could spur new participation.
As one young investor told Swyftx researchers, “I can’t change the past, but I don’t want to miss the next wave.” That sentiment sums up a generation learning to balance risk with opportunity.
In truth, the survey’s message is clear: opportunity rarely knocks twice. Ten years ago, $400 Bitcoin was easy to ignore today, it represents one of the greatest missed fortunes of modern investing.
Written By Fazal Ul Vahab C H