Housing and land prices in Australia are now rated as some of the most expensive in the world, when the median house price verses the median wage is taken into account. The current housing market, especially in cities, is inflated beyond all reason. This situation is untenable. Therefore, when voted into office, the Australian Sovereignty Party (ASP) will carefully implement policies to address this issue.

There is a critical philosophical and moral factor concerning investment in the housing and land market that must be clearly understood. Unlike trading and investing in ordinary shares, stocks, bonds and other investments, over-speculation in the housing market causes untold harm to all sectors of the population, especially for our young people and future generations trying to buy their own home. Affordable housing is not a luxury commodity. It is a human need and basic requirement. A homeless or unsettled person can not work, function properly or contribute to society. They become a burden on society and in essence a refugee in their own country. Suitable shelter and housing is a human right. Every person and family requires affordable housing in order to be able to properly function, work and enjoy a reasonable standard of living.... and, without having to become debt slaves for the rest of their lives.

We believe that the housing/land market should not be treated the same as other investments, and that excessive speculation in housing is a great evil on society. Yes, some of you may become very wealthy as housing and land prices inflate well above the CPI, but your children and your children's children will suffer as it becomes increasingly difficult to find reasonable and affordable housing, especially located within a reasonable distance to working opportunities. Having stated our idealogical stance on this issue, the Australian Sovereignty Party will however not make any laws to restrict the free market, indeed it is our policy to abolish much of the regulation that binds and restricts the operation of free market enterprise competition in this country.

Excessive speculation in housing and land is detrimental to both society and the economy. While it may provide a short-term gain for some, over the long term, it is a big loss for everyone, especially future generations. That is why the ASP policy, is different for housing and land than with other investments. The ASP strongly supports small businesses, a free market system and competition. It will reduce costs and obstacles for establishing small businesses, and abolish restrictive regulation that hinders the operation of a free market enterprise and competition.

ASP is a political party for the people, by the people and accountable to the people!

In order to address the housing issue without imposing restrictions, taxes and/or laws against housing/land speculation and investment housing, ASP will implement a government financed (see monetary policy and section 51 of the Constitution), program for building housing right across Australia, but particularly concentrated in areas located close to employment opportunities. As a matter of priority, ASP will facilitate and fund development of suitable apartment building and town houses in inner city locations to minimise travelling distances for city workers. ASP will also facilitate the development of affordable housing in rural and remote areas where workers are needed.

Well designed, quality housing does not have to be expensive. In addition, these homes will be comfortable, attractive and sustainable. They will be sold primarily as residences at or just above cost, to families or individuals, with job prospects close by. These will not be used for investment rentals. A “Rent to by” option or affordable loan to those who qualify will also be provided.

This building program will be of such scope as to cause a necessary re-correction in median house prices, so that housing affordability overall becomes more reasonable. This policy will help reduce traffic congestion, pollution and travel time to and from work. It will also build much needed infrastructure in regional areas to avoid the ever expanding urban sprawl around major cities. We believe that decentralising government, services and populations centres is safer, healthier and more sustainable. Also, through this policy we will encourage the growth of self-sufficient agrarian townships and a more sustainable society/country.

The ASP Housing Affordability Policy will free up billions of private investment dollars from housing and land speculation, resulting in an increased tendancy to invest in other markets such as Australian industry, which will benefit under an ASP stewardship and many more job opportunities will be generated. Over-speculation on housing and undeveloped land in either residential areas or commercial/industrial areas, does nothing for Australian economy. It does not help build industry, it does not help job growth, it does not assist in the development of new and beneficial technologies, all it does is transfer wealth from poorer people to richer people, and make it more difficult and expensive for an entrepreneur to establish new businesses/ industries and hence employ more people.

As a result of implementing our Housing Affordability Policy, Taxation and Monetary policies, inflation will gradually be lowered. As of consequence, of ASP policies, the quality of life in Australia will improve and people will have more time for leisure, creative endeavours and family life. Also, the health and economy of our nation will improve significantly.