The HomeBuilder program has been announced to help drive economic activity across the residential construction sector by providing grants of $25,000 to eligible owner-occupiers (including first home buyers) to build a new home or substantially renovate an existing home. It is a time-limited grant program where the contract is signed between 4 June 2020 and 31 December 2020. Construction must commence within 3 months of the contract date.
The HomeBuilder program will be non-taxable consistent with existing support measures, such as state-based first home-owner grants and stamp duty concessions. It is also accessible in conjunction with the First Home Owner Super Saver Scheme and First Home Loan Deposit Scheme. You don't need to be a first home owner to apply for the grant, so if you're not eligible to participate in any existing schemes, this program might provide you with support.
Eligibility
To access HomeBuilder, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Eligibility criteria |
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Age and citizenship |
· You must be an Australian citizen · You need to be aged 18 years or older |
Individual income caps |
Your income must be below one of the two caps below: · $125,000 per annum for an individual applicant based on your latest tax return (either 2018/19 or 2019/20), or · $200,000 per annum for a couple based on both individual's latest tax returns (either 2018/19 or 2019/20) |
Date of |
· The building contract must be entered into between 4 June 2020 and 31 December 2020 · Construction must commence within three months of the contract date |
Grant to build |
· The new home must be occupied as a principal place of residence · The completed value of the new build (land and property) cannot exceed $750,000 · This criteria applies where vacant land is purchased either before or after 4 June 2020, with a contract to build entered into after this date |
Grant for substantial renovations – requirements |
· Substantial renovations to an existing principal place of residence must have a commercial contract price between $150,000 and $750,000 · Renovations include where a property (house and land) is already owned and a knock down rebuild is completed (where the new build cost is capped at $750,000) · Pre-renovation value of the property must not exceed $1.5 million · Renovations must improve accessibility, safety or liveability and cannot include additions such as swimming pools, spas, sheds or stand-alone garages |
Eligibility criteria |
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Use of property |
· The home must be used as your primary place of residence · The new or renovated dwelling cannot be intended for use as an investment property |
Companies, trusts and owner-builders |
· Not available to companies or trusts, including SMSFs · Not available to owner-builders |
Evidence required |
You'll be asked to provide: · proof of identity · a copy of a signed and dated contract · a copy of your builder's registration or licence · a copy of your latest tax return (either 2018/19 or 2019/20), and · other documents such as Council approval, contracts, occupation certificates and valuations |
Other |
· All contracts and agreements must be entered into at arm's length, which means conditions such as the price and scope of works must be commercial, rather than favourable because of your relationship with another party involved · All building and renovation work must be carried out by a registered or licenced contractor and named as a builder on the building licence or permit ·
Unlike some other Commonwealth and State-based schemes, there is no |
Process and timing
Information on when and how you will be able to access HomeBuilder will become available through the relevant State or Territory revenue office below:
Location |
Website |
NSW |
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VIC |
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TAS |
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WA |
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SA |
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NT |
How we can help?
If you would like any further information or assistance with HomeBuilder Grant, please feel free to contact us on 1300 885 761 .
92 Cooper Street
(PO Box 201)
Cootamundra
NSW 2590
105 Goldsmith Street
(PO Box 973)
Goulburn
NSW 2580
Suite 4, 20 Canty Street
(PO Box 284)
Narooma
NSW 2546