Fake ABC article spruiks nonsense home ownership ban

Kate Atkinson September 25, 2026
3d7d3d51 9b44 490a a5f0 9bedf1ed2e51
A fake news story claims the Albanese government is banning private home ownership. Image by Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS

WHAT WAS CLAIMED

ABC News published an article stating the Albanese government will ban home ownership from 2028.

OUR VERDICT

False. The article is fake.

AAP FACTCHECK - A fake news article is being used to spread false claims that the federal government plans to outlaw home ownership. 

A screenshot of a story supposedly published by the ABC is being shared online, but it's not real and there has been no such proposal from the government. 

The image appears in a September 22 Facebook post.

"Rent From The Government? Albanese to ban home ownership from 2028," the headline of the supposed article reads.

"Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a sweeping housing policy that will ban home ownership in Australia from 2028, saying the move will 'create a fairer, more equal society' and provide long-term housing security for all Australians. 

"Speaking in Canberra on Thursday, Albanese said the government would phase out the current home ownership system, with all Australians expected to rent their homes from the government or approved public housing providers."

A screenshot of a Facebook post.
The supposed ABC News story is fake, but has been shared widely on social media. (AAP/Facebook)

The article quotes Mr Albanese as saying home ownership has been a "privilege for the few" for too long and that he wants to build a system where everyone can afford a home.  

"The plan is expected to be introduced in the 2026-27 federal budget, with a transition period over the next two years," it states. 

The article is dated August 29, 2025 and includes the byline of David Crowe. 

However, the article does not match the style and formatting of the ABC News website and there's no record of the story on the site. 

While David Crowe is an Australian journalist, he has been a reporter at the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age since 2018. 

A screenshot of a Facebook post.
Many of those commenting on the post appear to believe the fake news story is real. (AAP/Facebook)

Mr Albanese did not give a press conference in Canberra on Thursday August 28, 2025, according to a search of his transcripts and media appearances.

He spoke at the 2025 Bush Summit in Wagga Wagga on Wednesday, before travelling to Ballarat for another event on the Friday. 

The 2026-27 federal budget was released in May 2026, but there are no measures that involve phasing out home ownership. 

The federal government funds several programs to support home buyers, including Help to Buy and the 5% Deposit Scheme.

AAP FactCheck is an accredited member of the International Fact-Checking Network. To keep up with our latest fact checks, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, BlueSky, TikTok and YouTube.

Sources

Fact-checking is a team effort

Every AAP FactCheck article is the result of a meticulous process involving numerous experienced journalists and producers. Our articles are thoroughly researched, carefully crafted and rigorously scrutinised to ensure the highest standard of accuracy and objectivity in every piece.

AAP FactCheck is an accredited member of the International Fact-Checking Network