Ex-Prime Minister Julia Gillard Buys Beachside Luxury Home in Sunshine Coast

Former prime minister of Australia Julia Gillard exchanged her working-class Altona home for an Adelaide beachside bungalow worth $2 million.

Ms Gillard, who was ousted by Kevin Rudd for the Australian Labor party leadership, and partner Tim Mathieson, are believed to have purchased a four-bedroom, three-bathroom bungalow with a solar and gas-heated Freedom Pool complete with swim jets and starting block.

The first female former prime minister has been living in The Lodge before her ouster as Labor leader. She has been living with her partner in her modest brick house in Altona, Melbourne, that she bought for $140,000 in 1998.

She is reported to be moving to a more luxurious home, following Prime Minister Kevin Rudd who purchased a mansion in Canberra worth $2.175 million after losing the prime ministership. In 2011, Mr Rudd also purchased a beach house for $3.1 million near Noosa on the Sunshine Coast.

After losing in the 2007 election, John Howard moved from The Lodge to his long-time home in Wollstonecraft in the lower north of Sydney.

With her new luxury property, Ms Gillard will be able to entertain and welcome guests. Her beachside bungalow includes an outdoor kitchen and a 12-person spa with a view of the ocean. Ms Gillard's house is located in the marginal seat of Boothby under the jurisdiction of Liberal MP Dr Andrew Southcott.

Shortly after her ouster, Ms Gillard has already confirmed her plans to move to Adelaide in July. Reports also said Ms Gillard's mother, Moira, will live with the couple.

The renovated bungalow was listed for $1.85 million to $2.05 million and believed to be the house bought by Ms Gillard through an agent.

The property in question had a "sold" sticker in front as an indication that it is no longer available in the market. A resident nearby said he wouldn't mind if the former prime minister moved into his street. The neighbour, only known as David, was surprised to hear Ms Gillard bought a house on his street. David said Ms Gillard would like living there because it is a quiet neighbourhood.