A young Australian couple who made history as the youngest buyers their estate agent had ever encountered have issued a robust response to online critics who dismissed their achievement as the product of 'mummy and daddy's money'.
From Celebration to Backlash
Jamie Jackson and her partner, both aged 20, recently purchased a two-bedroom unit in Mount Druitt, in Sydney's western suburbs, for $465,000 (approx. £240,000). Laing & Simmons sales associate Sina Tafa shared a post online celebrating the women for stepping onto the property ladder at such a young age, calling them an "inspiration".
However, the celebratory post sparked immediate backlash. Some commenters made cruel jibes, suggesting the pair could only afford the purchase with substantial parental help. "Congratulations to them for having rich parents," one person wrote. Another described them as "spoiled brats", while a different critic speculated: "Oh yes, $200k from mum or dad or inheritance is no achievement. Come on, don't fool us. They probably contributed $5k total." Others pessimistically predicted mortgage defaults within a year.
The Couple's Firm Rebuttal
Ms Jackson did not let the comments stand. She responded directly, confirming that the property was being jointly paid off by the couple without financial gifts from family. "I have been working and earning my own money since 12 (full-time work since 15) and my partner has been working full-time since 18," she explained.
She emphasised their years of saving: "Every dollar spent on this apartment and loan has been earned and saved by my partner and I over multiple years." The couple acknowledged professional help from their broker, conveyancer, and agent, and stressed they split all costs 50/50. "We work hard with multiple jobs to be able to do things like this," Jackson stated, ending her retort with: "Enjoy scrolling Facebook, we will be moving into our new house!"
A Sign of Changing First-Time Buyer Trends
This milestone highlights a growing reality in Australia's expensive property landscape. With Sydney's median house price nearing $2million, first-home buyers are increasingly pivoting to units and suburbs once considered less desirable. Mount Druitt, historically viewed as an area marked by social disadvantage, is seeing its reputation shift alongside surging prices.
Data reveals a dramatic transformation: since December 2020, the median house price in Mount Druitt has jumped 46%, from $683,000 to $1,000,000 by November 2025. Over the same period, the suburb's median unit price rose by about 26%, from $360,000 to $455,000.
The couple's story also drew defenders who slammed the online "jealousy" and "negativity". One supporter noted: "Even if they did have a gifted deposit, they have to be able to service a mortgage. Just say you're jealous you can't provide the same for your kids..." Another added: "They clearly have different priorities and goals than you, instead of wasting time seething online because someone is living your dream, they're actually living it."
