One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has clarified that permanent residents would be allowed to own homes in Australia under her party’s proposed housing policy, following confusion sparked by comments from MP Barnaby Joyce and senior party figures about whether non-citizens would be required to sell residential property.
The clarification came after a difficult 24 hours for the party, during which Joyce initially indicated that permanent residents could be captured by the policy before later correcting the record. One Nation senator Sean Bell also struggled to explain how the proposal would operate during several media appearances.
The issue is particularly relevant for Australia’s migrant communities, including many Indian nationals who live and work in Australia as permanent residents and may spend years before deciding whether to apply for citizenship.
One Nation’s housing policy has attracted attention as the party gains support in national polling and seeks to position itself as a response to Australia’s housing affordability challenges. The policy includes a proposed cap of 130,000 annual visas, restrictions on foreign ownership of residential property and limits on negative gearing for larger property portfolios.
Earlier versions of the policy debate raised questions about whether permanent residents would be treated in the same category as foreign owners.
During an appearance on Sky News, Joyce was asked whether permanent residents would be counted as foreign owners under the proposal. He initially suggested they would. Following the interview, he sought to correct his remarks, saying permanent residents would not be forced to sell their homes.
The confusion continued during subsequent media interviews, with Bell unable to provide a clear explanation of how the policy would apply to different categories of visa holders and property owners.
Hanson moved to settle the issue on Friday, publishing a detailed clarification on social media.
“Australian homes should be prioritised for Australians. One Nation makes no apologies for putting Australians first.”
She then set out who would be affected by the proposed changes.
“Foreign owners – temporary visa holders and foreign citizens residing overseas – would be given two years to sell their Australian residential properties under One Nation’s policy.”
The issue is particularly relevant for Australia’s migrant communities, including many Indian nationals who live and work in Australia as permanent residents and may spend years before deciding whether to apply for citizenship
Hanson drew a distinction between those groups and permanent residents.
“Permanent residents have been accepted to settle in Australia permanently. They live here, work here, pay taxes here and build their lives here. Many are on the path to citizenship. One Nation’s policy does not require them to sell their homes.”
The clarification addresses one of the main concerns raised by migrant communities since the policy was announced. Permanent residents currently occupy a different legal position from foreign investors under Australia’s property rules. They are generally able to purchase established homes and are exempt from many of the restrictions that apply to overseas buyers.
Many migrants remain permanent residents for extended periods. Some come from countries where taking Australian citizenship involves surrendering their original nationality, making the decision more complex than simply completing a citizenship application.
Hanson argued that her proposal builds on principles already reflected in existing foreign investment rules.
“Governments routinely regulate foreign investment in housing, agriculture, infrastructure and strategic assets.”
She noted that restrictions on foreign ownership are already part of federal policy.
“The Commonwealth already bans most foreign persons, including temporary residents and foreign-owned companies, from purchasing established dwellings, subject to exceptions.”
The Albanese Government extended those restrictions in the 2026-27 Budget.
“Labor extended that ban in the 2026–27 Budget. One Nation’s policy effectively only extends these bans to new homes. Politicians attacking One Nation’s policy are attacking a principle the government already applies.”
Foreign ownership remains a relatively small component of Australia’s housing market. Australian Taxation Office data shows foreign owners hold about 40,000 residential properties nationwide. Australia had just under 11 million dwellings at the time of the 2021 Census.
Housing economists generally regard migration, interest rates, housing supply and construction activity as larger drivers of national house prices than foreign ownership levels.
The episode nevertheless highlighted the political sensitivity of housing policy at a time when affordability remains a major concern for voters. It also underscored the importance of clarity around the status of permanent residents, many of whom have established long-term lives in Australia without yet becoming citizens.
After a day of conflicting messages, One Nation’s position is now clear: permanent residents will be able to continue buying, owning and living in Australian homes under the party’s proposed housing policy.
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