In the midst of the craziness that is 2020, there is always a silver lining. The federal government announced a $700 million housing package for Australians to access $25,000 grants to build a new home or start a major renovation.
What does that mean for you?
As a first home buyer or owner-occupier, understanding what federal grants, incentives and discounts that are available to you can be a nightmare. We’ve cut through the headlines and jargon and created a snapshot of the HomeBuilder Grant. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the HomeBuilder Grant?
- $25,000 grant to build a new home or start a major renovation
- Available to eligible first home buyers and owner-occupiers
- Must be entering into building contract between 4 June 2020 and 31 December 2020
- Construction must be with a licensed builder, and start within 3-months of the contract date
- Available to anybody who successfully applies
Who’s eligible?
To access HomeBuilder, owner-occupiers must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- you are a natural person (not a company or trust);
- you are aged 18 years or older;
- you are an Australian citizen;
- you meet one of the following two income caps:
- $125,000 per annum for an individual applicant based on your 2018-19 tax return or later;
- or $200,000 per annum for a couple based on both 2018-19 tax returns or later;
- you enter into a building contract between 4 June 2020 and 31 December 2020 to either:
- build a new home as a principal place of residence, where the property value does not exceed $750,000; or
- substantially renovate your existing home as a principal place of residence, where the renovation contract is between $150,000 and $750,000, and where the value of your existing property does not exceed $1.5 million;
- construction must commence within three months of the contract date.
What’s considered a ‘renovation’?
If you are thinking about a renovation, to receive HomeBuilder the works must improve the accessibility, safety and liveability of the dwelling.
Additions to the property such as swimming pools, tennis courts, outdoor spas and saunas, sheds or garages aren’t allowed (unconnected to the property).
What does a licensed builder mean?
Renovations or building work must be undertaken by a registered or licensed building service ‘contractor’ (depending on the state or territory you live in) and named as a builder on the building licence or permit.
How can I help?
If you’re thinking of applying for a construction loan, we can discuss how this works and how to proceed.
If you’re a first home buyer there’s lots working in your favour! The HomeBuilder Grant works with the existing grants available (stamp duty concessions, state and territory First Home Buyer Grants, along with the national Commonwealth First Home Loan Deposit Scheme and First Home Super Saver Scheme).
It’s worth a conversation so we can run the numbers for you or get started online here.
