Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing widespread criticism for purchasing a multi-million-dollar cliff-top home amid a national housing crisis. The timing, just months before an election where housing affordability and cost of living are major issues, has drawn backlash from both political opponents and some within his own party.

Albanese bought the luxury property in Copacabana on the New South Wales Central Coast, reportedly to be closer to his fiancée Jodie Haydon’s family. The property, featuring four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and three carports, with panoramic views, was sold for A$4.3 million (approximately $2.9 million USD or £2.2 million GBP) last month. Although the purchase has yet to be finalized, it has already drawn significant public and political attention.

Critics have labeled the purchase as “tone-deaf” in the context of Australia’s housing crisis, which has seen skyrocketing property prices and a lack of affordable housing. Albanese’s opponents, as well as some within his own party, have questioned the wisdom of making such a high-profile acquisition during a time when many Australians are struggling to secure housing. One Labor MP, speaking anonymously to The Sydney Morning Herald, described the move as a “self-sabotage,” suggesting it would hurt the party’s image in the lead-up to the election.

Albanese, however, has defended his decision, acknowledging his fortunate financial position but insisting he can still relate to the struggles of everyday Australians. At a press conference about housing on the same day news of his purchase broke, he pointed to his upbringing in public housing, saying, “My mum lived in the one public housing [home] that she was born in for all of her 65 years. I know what it is like, which is why I want to help all Australians into a home.” He also explained that his decision to buy the property was driven by a desire to be closer to his partner’s family.

Despite the controversy, Albanese’s Labor government has taken steps to address the housing crisis. His administration has created a A$10 billion investment fund for social and affordable housing, though efforts to pass additional housing policies have been hampered by opposition from the Australian Greens and some independents. These groups are pushing for more ambitious housing reforms and greater government intervention.

The broader context of the housing crisis in Australia adds to the scrutiny. Australian cities, particularly Sydney, rank among the worst in the world for housing affordability. According to the 2024 Demographia International Housing Affordability survey, Sydney is second only to Hong Kong in terms of unaffordability. While about two-thirds of Australian households own their homes, the rising costs have made homeownership increasingly difficult for many. Notably, around 95% of federal politicians own at least one residential property, with about a third owning three or more, according to parliamentary disclosures. This has fueled public perception that politicians are out of touch with the housing struggles faced by ordinary Australians.

The Greens, in particular, have seized on Albanese’s purchase to push for policy changes. Max Chandler-Mather, the party’s housing spokesman, argued that the prime minister’s purchase highlights the flaws in the current housing system, which allows property investors to benefit from tax incentives while many Australians can’t afford even a rental. “Labor and the Liberals have created a housing system where a property investor can buy a A$4.3 million beachfront home, while millions can’t even find an affordable rental, let alone buy a house of their own,” Chandler-Mather wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

On the other side of the political aisle, Liberal Senator Jane Hume expressed similar concerns about the optics of the purchase, noting that while “everybody has a right to a personal life,” the timing of the purchase was problematic, given the current housing crisis. She told Channel 7’s Sunrise program that it appeared “tone deaf” during such a challenging time for many Australians.

However, not all opposition leaders have condemned Albanese’s actions. Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton refrained from directly criticizing the purchase, though he acknowledged that many Australians are struggling with their mortgages and the cost of living. He noted the broader financial pressures facing the public, but stopped short of attacking Albanese personally.

As Australia’s housing crisis continues to dominate national headlines, Albanese’s property purchase has added fuel to the debate, raising questions about political leadership, economic inequality, and the future of housing policy in the country.