Younger Australians are failing to be swayed by populist promises to rein in negative gearing tax concessions, fearing any changes would force up rents and cruel their aspirations to one day own their home or build their wealth through property investment.

Amid a pitched battle between Labor, the Coalition and Greens over fixing the housing affordability crisis – highlighted by the political storm over Anthony Albanese’s purchase of a $4.3 million coastal home – the latest The Australian Financial Review/Freshwater Strategy poll shows more voters prefer the status quo than overhauling a tax concession enjoyed by almost 2.3 million investors.