Australian Politicians appear to be major property investors

The majority of federal politicians are in a class of their own when it comes to property ownership, with many holding sizeable portfolios that most of their constituents could only ever dream of.



Analysis found that 205 politicians in the federal parliament own a total of 421 homes between them.

That’s an average of 2.05 homes each.

Of those 421 homes, 254 are declared as either primary or secondary owner-occupied residences, while a further 167 are declared as investments.

Only seven politicians declared no real estate ownership, meaning 96.6% of politicians are homeowners.

Politicians are aggressive investors

The analysis revealed that 103 federal politicians declared ownership of at least one investment property.

That means a little over 50% of them are active landlords.

Labor politicians have the highest average home ownership

When it comes to the Liberal and National parties, 100 Coalition politicians own 209 homes and investment properties, for an average of 2.09 homes each.

On the other side of the aisle, 84 Labor politicians own 182 homes and investment properties, which is an average of 2.16 homes each.

And 21 minor party politicians and independents own 30 homes and investment properties, for an average of 1.42 homes each.

Who are our political property moguls?

While 65% of federal politicians have at least two homes, there are a number who have eye-watering property portfolios, with Liberal Party politicians leading the way.

At the top of the list is Karen Andrews, the Liberal member for McPherson in Queensland, who declares six properties, including a residence in her electorate in Clear Island Waters, and investment properties in Palm Beach, Queensland; Ayr, Queensland; Deniliquin, New South Wales; Kalgoorlie, Western Australia; and Clear Island Waters, Queensland.

Also owning six properties is Liberal MP for Chisolm in Victoria, Gladys Liu.

Ms Liu has a home in Mt Waverley, on top of investment properties in Kew, Victoria; Flemington, Victoria; Whitehorse, Victoria; Brisbane, Queensland; and Camp Hill, Queensland.

Source: Politician Property Moguls: Real Estate owned by Aussie MPs, Senators

 

2.05 properties on average? That's to be expected when you consider they need to have a primary residence in their electorate and many of them will own a property in Canberra where they also have to work.

They're also on well above average incomes with a lot of benefits. They can choose to put money away and invest it as any intelligent person hopefully would. Property has been a very good investment class for quite some time now, it's to be expected that they would put some money there.

This is really a bit of a hack piece. The irony is I think it's missed quite a bit. I vaguley recall that Kevin Rudd's wife had interests in over 30 properties? He may not be on the title but he's certainly a beneficial owner.

 

Only 2.05 each? I thought it would've been much higher than that, to be causing such a egregious article, considering the age of most of them.

I own 5 "residences" ... does that make me a bad person?

 

Given that there Eddie Obeid means that probably cut the average in half!

If you're bad at 5, what am I at 11?

 

I'm happy with 5 mortgage free ...

 

Hmmm......an average of 2.05 each is hardly aggressive.

 

Gosh, I'm more again. Maybe I should become a politician.

 

Ah screw em.

Build as much wealth as you like, unashamed and proud. Definitely proud of your achievements.

 

I would suggest many on this forum would make them look like peasants financially

 

I would hope that politicians are doing sensible investments. I'd hate for them to have to look around for alternate ways of increasing income...

 

I'd vote for you!

 

At least I know I've got more common sense than many of the current politicians.

 

Give that 205 politicians only own 167 IPs perhaps the thread title should be changed to "Australian Politicians do not appear to be major property investors"

 

Can I be your deputy.....

 

Well Dutton is worth $300 million from property investing, so he is definitely an aggressive investor. Surprised he didn't get a mention. His parliamentary salary would be chump change compared to his business income.

 

Sure! Why not?

 

But doesn't it depend? Let's say you can have 5 IPs worth $1.5-2.5M or 1 IP worth $15M or more etc...
It doesn't show full picture, discussing asset base would make more sense... or perhaps their net worth?

 

Nothing wrong with owning publicly declared property investments in Australia and I am glad new PM is a landlord himself.