26th June 2020 | Grants
HomeBuilder is a tax-free grant program initiated by the Federal Government to stimulate the residential construction sector in response to the economic downturn caused by COVID-19. It will provide eligible applicants with a $25,000 grant to help build a new home or renovate an existing home.
The federal government’s $25,000 Home Builder grant will help Australians build new homes and complete renovations, however there are specific requirements to be eligible for the new program.
Eligible homebuyers and owner-occupiers can put the grant towards building a new home or substantially renovating their existing home, where the contract is signed between June 4 and December 31, 2020.
Homebuyers can take advantage of the HomeBuilder grant with existing state and territory first homeowner grants, stamp duty concessions and other grant programs.
The HomeBuilder grant can also be used with the federal government’s first home loan deposit scheme and first home super saver scheme.
Here is what you need to know to decide whether the HomeBuilder grant is right for you:
Does my home qualify for HomeBuilder?
To apply for the HomeBuilder grant, homebuyers must be an Australian citizen aged 18 years or older.
The grant is means-tested, so applicants must meet one of the following 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.
For home builders, the value of the property, which includes house and land, must not exceed $750,000.
For home renovators, the value of the renovation should fall between $150,000 and $750,000 and only applies to existing properties (house and land) worth less than $1.5 million.
The grant only applies to homes that are primary residence of the applicant, and cannot be used on investment properties.
The grant can only be used on construction works that begin with three months of the contract date.
All dwelling types are eligible for the scheme, including houses, apartments, house and land packages and off-the-plan purchases, provided the owner-occupier is building a new home or significantly renovating an existing home. Applicants must also meet the income eligibility test.
For homeowners looking to renovate, the renovations should improve the accessibility, liveability, and safety of your home, and must be completed by a licenced or registered builder.
For example, the grant cannot be used to build a tennis court, pool or shed.
How to apply for the HomeBuilder Grant
Anyone looking to apply for the HomeBuilder grant will need to apply through their state or territory government’s relevant authority.
You will be able to apply once your state or territory government signs up to the national partnership agreement with the federal government.
The relevant state or territory revenue office will distribute the grant directly to successful applicants.
Click on the following link to get updates from the Fedreal Government: https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/homebuilder