One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has defended her party’s proposal to force temporary visa holders and foreign citizens living overseas to sell Australian residential properties within two years, saying the policy is about putting Australian home buyers first.
Under the proposal, temporary visa holders and foreign citizens residing overseas would be required to divest residential properties they own in Australia. One Nation would also remove the ability for international students, non-permanent residents and non-Australian citizens to buy future residential property in the country.
“Australian homes should be prioritised for Australians. One Nation makes no apologies for putting Australians first,” Senator Hanson said.
Hanson said permanent residents would be exempt because they live, work and pay taxes in Australia and are often on a pathway to citizenship.
The One Nation leader argued the policy builds on existing government restrictions around foreign investment in housing, including rules limiting most foreign persons and foreign-owned companies from purchasing established dwellings.
“Labor extended that ban in the 2026-27 Budget. One Nation’s policy effectively only extends these bans to new homes,” she said.
The proposal comes amid growing national anger over housing affordability, with first-home buyers facing high prices, tight rental markets and increasing competition for properties.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also sought to frame housing affordability as a key priority for his government, telling Parliament that home ownership remained a central aspiration for Australians.
“Every Australian aspires to own their own home,” Albanese said.
“We’re delivering real change and helping make that a reality.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges facing first-home buyers and said Labor’s housing agenda was aimed at giving them a better chance in the market.
“Right now, it’s too tough to buy your first home,” he said.
“We’re fixing that by changing negative gearing and capital gains tax breaks to give first home buyers a fair go.”
Hanson’s proposal, however, goes further than Labor’s current policy settings by seeking to force certain non-citizen property owners to sell existing homes within two years.
She also welcomed comments from former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce, saying he had “corrected the record” about One Nation’s housing policy after earlier confusion over whether permanent residents would be affected.
The policy is likely to spark sharp debate across migrant communities, universities, business groups and the property sector. Supporters will argue it gives Australian citizens priority in a strained housing market. Critics are likely to warn that it could create uncertainty for temporary residents, skilled workers and international students who live, work or study in Australia.
Housing affordability is expected to remain a major political battleground, with Labor, the Coalition and One Nation all attempting to appeal to voters frustrated by rising prices, rental stress and declining rates of home ownership among younger Australians.
For Hanson, the message is simple: Australian homes should go to Australians first.
For Albanese, the government argues that tax reform, housing supply and support for first-home buyers are the path to making home ownership more achievable.
The clash sets up housing as one of the defining political fights ahead, with parties competing over who can best respond to voters who feel locked out of the Australian dream.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
