Australian property obsession becomes election battleground

Sydney

AUSTRALIANS' obsession with property has moved from dominating conversations by the barbecue to potentially helping decide its next government.

A popular tax law that gives a break to landlords is poised to be a key issue for voters in an election tipped for early July. The measure, known as negative gearing, has helped stoke a surge in property prices. The flip side: rising unaffordability - which the opposition Labor Party is trying to capitalise on with a pledge to curb the tax break.