HomeBuilder Grant

A new report from BIS Oxford Economics suggests the apartment market has &ldquo;passed the trough&rdquo; brought on by regulatory-induced tight credit and the arrival of the pandemic.

The Oxford Economics report notes that apartments have managed to outpace other income investments, such as bonds or bank deposits.

&ldquo;National gross rental yields have held between 4 and 5 per cent while term deposits and treasury bond returns have dipped below 2 per cent a year,&quot; according to the report author, Maree Kilroy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227 project_image_fid=93951]

&quot;The yield premium accruing to units have never been this high.&rdquo;

The recent dip in housing approvals in Australian Bureau of Statistics data has emerged across both houses and units.

BIS Oxford Economics economist Maree Kilroy said attached dwellings gained 4 per cent &quot;with apartment construction looking to have passed the trough.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89720 project_image_fid=147504]

Kilroy said the fading effect of the HomeBuilder program meant house approvals would continue to ease, while labour and material shortages would hit delivery times for new costruction.

&ldquo;The core fundamentals underpinning new housing demand such as ultra-low borrowing costs, preference shifts, elevated household savings and rising property turnover will prevent a sizeable correction for house approvals nationally as we move into fiscal year 2022,&rdquo; Kilroy said.

The report notes that apartments have managed to outpace other income investments, such as bonds or bank deposits

jchancellor

BIS Oxford Economics expects the post-Homebuilder lull to be shallow

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The HomeBuilder construction timeframe has been pushed out to 18 months to smooth out the construction pipeline and support jobs for longer.

Although there are no further grants on offer, the timeframe for houses as well as off-the-plan apartments and townhouses to commence construction has been extended from the current six month permissible timeline.

HomeBuilder is a COVID-19-assistance scheme that assists the residential construction sector by encouraging the commencement of new apartment construction and new home builds and substantial renovations.

The HomeBuilder was available for contracts signed between 4 June 2020 and 31 March 2021.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32136]

For new builds and substantial renovations, the relevant contract is the building contract. For developer projects, including off-the-plan builds, the contract is the sales contract, where construction commences on or after 4 June 2020.

The Government announced on the weekend it would extend the construction commencement requirement.

"Thousands of people can now be sure that they will receive HomeBuilder grants with the Federal Government’s extension of the construction start date," Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia said.

“The scale of the HomeBuilder success - more than 120,000 HomeBuilder applications have created huge pressure on the supply chain with Master Builders Australia’s survey of the industry showing that 70% of builders are being hit by delays and cost increases for key trades and building products.” 

“This also created the risk that thousands of HomeBuilder applicants could miss out on the grants because builders could not meet the construction start date requirements,” she said. 

“The Federal Government showed strong leadership to introduce HomeBuilder when Covid lockdowns meant thousands of builders and tradies faced a valley of death with no forward work,” Denita Wawn said.

For new builds, commencement of construction in some jurisdictions will be as early as commencement of excavation and site preparation works; in other jurisdictions commencement occurs at the point of laying the slab.

For an off-the-plan build, commencement of construction may be site preparation stage (including excavation of the site) or the laying of the foundations or laying of a slab for a carpark (whichever is earlier).

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29660]

If construction of an off-the-plan dwelling commences on or after 4 June 2020, the property purchase may be eligible for HomeBuilder even if the contract is signed after construction commences (provided the contract is signed on or before 31 March 2021).

If construction on the dwelling commenced before 4 June 2020, it does not qualify for HomeBuilder.

Grant recipients must be registered on the title as the owner of the property by no later than 30 April 2023.

A $25,000 grant was available for eligible contracts signed on or after 4 June 2020 up to and including 31 December 2020. And a $15,000 grant was available for eligible contracts signed on or after 
1 January 2021 until 31 March 2021 (inclusive).

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29048]

The timing of payment for the HomeBuilder Grant depends on whether your application relates to a new build, substantial renovation or off-the plan / new home purchase: 
• New builds: grants will be paid after the foundations have been laid and the first progress payment has been made to your builder. 
• Substantial renovations: grants will be paid after construction has commenced and at least $150,000 of the contract price has been paid in respect of the renovation. 
• Off-the-plan / new home purchases: grants will be paid after the applicant(s) name is registered on the title.

For the $25,000 grant the requirement was to build a new home as a principal place of residence, where the property value (i.e. house and land) does not exceed $750,000 or purchase an off-the-plan / new home as a principal place of residence where the contract price does not exceed $750,000 and construction had not commenced prior to 4 June 2020.

For the $15,000 grant grant recipients can build a new home as a principal place of residence, where the property value (i.e. house and land) does not exceed $950,000 if the dwelling is in New South Wales; $850,000 if the dwelling is in Victoria; or $750,000 in all other States.

The $15,000 grant was available for the purchase an off-the-plan / new home as a principal place of residence where construction had not commenced prior to 4 June 2020 and the contract price does not exceed: $950,000 if the dwelling is in New South Wales; $850,000 if the dwelling is in Victoria; or $750,000 in all other States.

HomeBuilder is not available for investment properties or to owner-builders.

The applicant will be required to reside in the property for a minimum of six months from when the certificate of occupancy or final inspection certificate is issued (for new builds) or from when registered on title (for off-the-plan / new home purchases). 

There may be some timing differences between the jurisdictions.
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Although there are no further $15,000 grants on offer, the timeframe for houses, townhouses and apartments to commence construction has been extended


HomeBuilder construction timeframe pushed out to 18 months

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Record low interest rates and rising house prices are sustaining the new home construction market confidence into 2021, according to the HIA’s economist, Angela Lillicrap. 
  
The latest HIA New Home Sales report shows sales in the three months to February 2021 were up 60 per cent on the same three months in the previous year. 

"This strong result reflects the significant impact of HomeBuilder on demand for detached housing,” said Ms Lillicrap. 
  
“HomeBuilder was the catalyst for improving consumer confidence in the housing market." 
  
She noted the December 2020 surge of new home sales as households rushed to finalise contracts to build a new home before the end of the $25,000 grant. 
  
The HomeBuilder grant is now at $15,000 until March 30.

“We expect a surge in sales in March but due to the lower grant offering, this surge will not be as large as the December 2020 surge." 
  
“To receive the HomeBuilder grant, construction is required to commence within six months of signing a contract to build. As a consequence, it is possible that builders will delay the signing of some contracts to allow for greater flexibility and more detailed planning of projects."

<img alt="" height="1264" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hia_2021_graph.jpg" width="2068">

Sales in the three months February 2021 increased across Australia compared to the same time the previous year. 

South Australia is up by 149 per cent, followed by Victoria (+69 per cent) and Queensland (+60 per cent). New South Wales increased by 46 per cent and Western Australia is up by 25 per cent over the same period.

<h2>Recently listed properties:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27575]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2929]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29048]
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Sales in the three months February 2021 increased across Australia compared to the same time the previous year. 

March to see mini HomeBuilder surge in new home sales: HIA

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The coming weeks may be your last chance to save on a brand-new apartment purchase with the HomeBuilder Grant extension set to end on March 31.

HomeBuilder provides eligible owner-occupiers, including first home buyers, with a $15,000 grant to purchase a new build or off-the-plan dwelling in Sydney valued under $950,000.

For many first home buyers, the current government incentives mean that it may be cheaper to own than to rent.

So, if you’re looking to cash in on the competitive offers and grants available for only a limited amount of time, here are four Sydney residences eligible for the $15,000 HomeBuilder Grant. 
 

1. Georgette, Kew Schofields 
Address: 23-27 Schofields Road, Schofields NSW 2762 
Two-bedroom apartments from $535,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227]

Georgette is the second stage of Positive Investment Enterprise’s Kew Schofields project, integrating convenient living with natural beauty in one of Sydney’s newest suburbs, Schofields.

Designed by PBD Architects, the light-filled apartments in one and two-bedroom configurations feature ample storage, extended gardens and state-of-the-art energy and storage innovations thanks to a partnership with Tesla. 
 

2. Ed.Square, Edmondson Park 
Address: Corner Soldiers Parade &amp; Campbelltown Road, Edmondson Park NSW 2174 
Three-bedroom townhouses from $750,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5995]

Located in Sydney’s south-west suburb of Edmondson Park, Ed.Square is Fraser Property’s new net zero energy demand home project which Is set to produce more energy than they consume.

The balanced energy homes could will save residents up to 43 per cent of their energy costs, with features including, LED lighting, electric boosted solar hot water, ground source heat pump space conditioning and 4kW of solar PV. 
 

3. Auburn Square, Auburn 
Address: 26-36 Northumberland Road, Auburn NSW 2144 
Three-bedroom apartments from $837,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317]

Situated in the heart of western Sydney, Auburn Square boasts ultimate liveability and a sense of community.

Designed by Rothelowman, the development’s design provides perfectly considered spaces and an expansive rooftop, featuring a generous dining experience, outdoor fitness equipment, and impressive cityscape views. 
 

4. Fairwater, Blacktown 
Address: Fairwater Boulevard, Blacktown NSW 2148 
Two-bedroom townhouse prices available upon request

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7664]

Surrounded by 9-hectares of open parklands, Frasers Property’s Fairwater offers spacious, high-quality and connected homes in Sydney’s Blacktown.

Homes at Fairwater are designed for entertaining with open-plan living that flows from the kitchen to the courtyard
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Four Sydney residences eligible for the $15,000 HomeBuilder Grant

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With the federal HomeBuilder Grant extension to end on March 31, now may be your last chance to save on your brand-new apartment or townhouse purchase.

HomeBuilder provides eligible owner-occupiers, including first home buyers, with a $15,000 grant to purchase a new build or off-the-plan dwelling.

The current government incentives mean that, for many first home buyers, it is cheaper to own than to rent.

However, Melbourne’s property market will not stay this way for long, with an upswing anticipated this year as investor interest rises.

“Right now, first home buyers should be looking to take advantage of all the government grants and concessions while they can”, Cedar Woods’ COO Patrick Archer said.

If you’re looking to cash in on the competitive offers and grants available for only a limited amount of time, here are ten Melbourne residences eligible for the $15,000 HomeBuilder Grant. 
                                       

1. Parkhill Apartments, West Melbourne 
Address: 408 Spencer Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003 
One-bedroom apartments from $479,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406]

If you’re looking to buy now and save, Central Equity’s Parkhill offers buyers the chance to save up to $73,000 in the West Melbourne development. The project developer is matching the HomeBuilder Grant to save buyers $30,000, paired with the potential to save another $43,000 on stamp duty exemptions.

Amenities offered alongside each residence include a rooftop gym for residents, relaxing rooftop garden and a seven-day concierge service. 
 

2. R.Iconic, South Melbourne 
Address: 253-273 Normanby Road, South Melbourne VIC 3205 
One-bedroom apartments from $507,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5234]

R.Iconic Melbourne, delivered by R.Corporation, is re-defining inner-city living in the expanding CBD South precinct. With an expected 2022 move-in, residents can secure a luxury apartment in the complex now and save $15,000, as well as stamp duty savings up to $27,500.

Designed by Plus Architecture, the development offers a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments with uninterrupted water views, a zen garden, resort-style swimming pool and more. 
 

3. Aster Apartments, Clayton South 
Address: 456 Haughton Road, Clayton South VIC 3169 
One-bedroom apartments from $396,800

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4124]

Another development offering the HomeBuilder Grant is Clayton South’s Aster Apartments. Similar to the last two projects, the development will charge no stamp duty, breaking barriers to property ownership for first home buyers.

As the latest development to be delivered by Cedar Woods, Aster Apartments offers 128 residences in one, two and three-bedroom configurations in the masterplanned community, Jackson Green. 
 

4. Liberty One, Footscray 
Address: 1 Warde Street, Footscray VIC 3011 
One-bedroom apartments from $396,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=709]

Offering a state-of-the-art gymnasium, outdoor cinema and dining facilities, residents at Liberty One will enjoy countless amenities, contemporary landscaped areas and the convenience of Footscray’s community lifestyle.

Before the end of March, first home buyers can save over $23,000 by utilising the HomeBuilder scheme and the 50% stamp duty reduction. 
 

5. Lincoln Apartments, Williams Landing 
Address: 100 Overton Road, Williams Landing VIC 3027 
Two-bedroom apartments from $419,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27675]

Another offering from Cedar Woods, select Lincoln Apartments residences qualify for the HomeBuilder Grant. Situated within a masterplanned community west of Melbourne’s CBD, the project offers eligible first home buyers up to $25,000 off their home, with an additional $10,000 first home buyers grant.

Designed by DKO Architecture, Lincoln Apartments boasts a rooftop garden, views over the neighbouring conservation reserve and seamless balconies. 
 

6. Trilogy Place, South Morang 
Address: 360 McDonalds Road, South Morang VIC 3752 
Two-bedroom townhomes prices available from agent

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29388]

Buyers who secure a property within Trilogy Place now could also be eligible for the $15,000 HomeBuilder Grant. Delivered by Gibson Property Corporation, Trilogy Place boasts stunning parkland views to the solar power integration, with options to add a 10kWh battery storage system and 5kW solar panel array.

Architecturally designed by Rothelowman, the development offers 55 townhomes with flexible floorplans and customisable option. 
 

7. HOME by Caydon, Alphington 
Address: 626 Heidelberg Road, Alphington VIC 3078 
One-bedroom apartments from $381,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24441]

HOME by Caydon boasts 324 residences in one, two and three-bedroom configurations, designed by Caydon’s in-house design team. However, residents can save up to $15,000 on the project with the HomeBuilder boost.

Located in the leafy and established Alphington, each residence enjoys three-quarters of an acre of open space, generous storage and European appliances. 
 

8. 1025 Nepean Highway, Moorabbin 
Address: 1-6/1025 Nepean Highway, Moorabbin VIC 3189 
Two-bedroom townhouse from $695,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=14321]

Current grants and concessions at Asher Developments’ Moorabbin project, 1025 Nepean Highway, offers first home buyers potential savings of up to $47,000.

Individually designed with a choice of a traditional design with courtyard access, or a distinctive inverted floorplan, these outstanding townhouses offer uncompromising design on a leafy service road on the edge of the RSEA Park precinct. 
 

9. Salt Townhomes, Torquay 
Address: 85 Grossmans Road, Torquay VIC 3228 
Two-bedroom townhomes from $600,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28795]

Salt Townhomes offers residents sustainable living amongst the Surf Coast lifestyle with 50 three and four-bedroom townhouses available within the project. Select residences in the project, delivered by Baron Water, qualifies for the $15,000 grant.

Each townhouse offers natural materials, a rear garden, double-glazed windows and solar PV panels. 
 

10. Heathmere On the Park, Endeavour Hills 
Address: 20-24 Heathmere Crescent, Endeavour Hills VIC 3802 
Three-bedroom townhomes from $640,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27740]

Eligible for up to $35,000 in savings, Heathmere On The Park is the latest offering from CasUrban. The development boasts an ideal lifestyle balance of spacious multi-level living in an urban pocket renowned for its open parkland spaces.

Each home has been designed by Parallel Workshop Architecture with its occupants in mind, boasting generous floor plans, gardens and terrace areas.
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If you’re looking to cash in on the competitive offers and grants available for only a limited amount of time, here are ten Melbourne residences eligible for the $15,000 HomeBuilder Grant

10 Melbourne residences eligible for the $15,000 HomeBuilder Grant

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Owner-occupiers can stand to save up to $73,000 in the Parkhill apartment development in West Melbourne.

The project developer Central Equity are matching the VIC government's $15,000 HomeBuilder grant to save Parkhill buyers $30,000.

That, combined with the potential to save up to $43,000 in stamp duty for owner-occupiers, totals $73,000 of savings. 

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406]

Investors will benefit from the $24,500 in stamp duty concessions, and Central Equity are offering a rental guarantee for investor purchasers.

One bedroom apartments in the block start from $479,000, or closer to $400,000 for owner-occupiers after the savings boost.

Two bedroom apartments start from $619,000, up to $819,000 when including an extra bathroom and a parking space.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/parkhill-apartments-408-spencer-street-west-melbourne"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/parkhill_melbourne_render_2.jpg" width="1202"></a>

The apartments, many spanning more than 70 sqm, have been designed by Central Equity's inhouse design team. They all have up to 2.7 metre high ceilings, a gourmet kitchen with stone benchtops and Miele appliances and bathrooms with German tapware.

The development has a 6.5 star energy rating, with apartments fitted with double glazed windows.

Residents in the building will have access to a seven day concierge, a rooftop gym and a rooftop garden, complete with barbecues and outdoor seating.
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Owner-occupiers can stand to save up to $73,000 in the Parkhill apartment development in West Melbourne.

Joel Robinson

Buyers could save up to $73,000* on a brand new home at West Melbourne's Parkhill thanks to developer Central Equity matching the government grants

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Helping Australians get into a home of their own and supporting tradies’ jobs are both key priorities for the as we build a comeback from the COVID-19 recession, according to the Morrison Government

The Treasury's latest figures released today show, that as at 31 December 2020, over 75,000 households have applied for a HomeBuilder grant, with 80 per cent of applications to construct a new home.

Tradies and home buyers in every state and territory has benefitted from these HomeBuilder applications;

<figure><figcaption><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/homebuilder_data.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/homebuilder_data.jpg?itok=sfbj8k87" width="580"></a>

Source: Australian Treasury
</figcaption></figure>As a key driver of our comeback, the Treasury estimates that HomeBuilder will now support up to $18 billion of residential construction projects.

HomeBuilder was designed immediately to inject confidence and encourage buyers back into the market to offset the devastating effects of the pandemic on the residential construction industry.

On all counts HomeBuilder has achieved this objective and kept hundreds of thousands of tradies in work who would have otherwise been facing the unemployment queue.

To maintain this momentum in Australia’s economic comeback, the Morrison Government has announced HomeBuilder will be extended until 31 March 2021.

For all new build contracts signed between 1 January 2021 and 31 March 2021:

<ul>
<li>Eligible owner-occupier purchasers will receive a $15,000 grant; and</li>
	<li>The property price caps for new builds in New South Wales and Victoria have been increased to $950,000 and $850,000 respectively.</li>
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In addition, the construction commencement deadline has been extended from three months to six months for all eligible contracts signed on or after 4 June 2020.

Extending HomeBuilder ensures there a steady pipeline of construction activity through to 2022.

<h2>Three Victorian developments eligible for the HomeBuilder Grant:</h2>

1. The Docklands Residences

Address: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-docklands-residences-3-43-waterfront-way-docklands" target="_blank">3-43 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008</a>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-docklands-residences-3-43-waterfront-way-docklands"><img alt="" height="373" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/docklands.jpg" width="662"></a>

 

The Docklands Residences will sit atop a brand new 8-floor Marriott Hotel, and residents will be able to enjoy the use of 5-star hotel amenities, including a spectacular infinity pool, gym, sauna and spa, as well as Marriott’s hotel services such as room service, concierge and housekeeping.


The development will include 200 hotel rooms and 88 limited oversized residences, with enviable aspects of the water, city and Bolte Bridge.

With construction almost complete and settlement taking place in January 2021, few residences still remain, now selling from $693,000. 

2. 661 Chapel Street

Address: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/661-chapel-street-south-yarra" target="_blank">661 Chapel Street, South Yarra VIC 3141</a>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/661-chapel-street-south-yarra"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/661_chapel.jpg" width="700"></a>

 

661 Chapel St comprises spacious one, two, three and four bedroom residences across 30 magnificent floors. A soaring private lobby spanning four levels features a gallery-like space filled with renowned artworks, and six-star hotel-like amenities on the ground floor and level six all combine to deliver the ultimate luxury lifestyle experience. 
Due to the unique location, 661 Chapel St’s uninterrupted views can never be built out. These sweeping views encompass not only the iconic river, but also Melbourne’s CBD, impressive night or day, bay views to the south, and the greenery of the park-like campus of Melbourne High School.


There are one bedroom and two bedroom apartments available from $546,000 and $798,000 respectively.

Developed by Gamuda Land, it was designed by bird de la Coeur architects and is under construction by Crema Constructions.

3. Moreville

Address: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/moreville-12-18-napier-street-footscray" target="_blank">12-18 Napier Street, Footscray VIC 3011</a>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/moreville-12-18-napier-street-footscray"><img alt="" height="472" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/moreville.jpg" width="700"></a>

Designed with exceptional quality at the forefront, Moreville brings together 41 stunning 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments by the banks of the Maribyrnong River. High-end features and finishes are standard, with sleek monochrome tones, floor-to-ceiling windows and endless finely curated details. At the pinnacle, a spectacular rooftop terrace showcases sweeping city views with communal entertaining and gym facilities for residents.

A premium development embedded in Footscray’s heart, walking distance to its thriving centre, growing business hub and the vibrant market precinct, while cafes and retail will also feature on the building’s ground floor. Set in a quiet tree-lined street just 500m from Footscray train station, with direct freeway access nearby and the CBD just minutes away.

Two bedroom apartments in the development start at $525,000.

All of these developments also have deluxe residences for sale with prices over the HomeBuilder Grant threshold.

Further reading:

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/save-15000-until-march-2021-what-the-homebuilder-grant-extension-means-for-off-the-plan-property-purchases" target="_blank">Save $15,000 until March 2021: What the HomeBuilder Grant extension means for off-the-plan property purchases</a>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/guides/buy-now-save-20-urban-listings-eligible-for-the-25000-homebuilder-grant">Buy now and save: 20 Urban listings eligible for the $25,000 HomeBuilder Grant</a>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-australias-25000-homebuilder-grant">Everything you need to know about Australia's $25,000 HomeBuilder Grant + how much off-the-plan homebuyers could save</a>
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As at 31 December 2020, over 75,000 households have applied for a HomeBuilder grant, with 80 per cent of applications to construct a new home

urban.com.au

Victoria leads the HomeBuilder-based recovery with over 25% of new home construction

The number of loans for the construction of a new home saw record-breaking levels in November 2020, as the figure, tracked by the ABS, record its sixth consecutive rise.

New home loan commitments in November jumped a further 7.2&nbsp;per cent higher than the record-breaking levels in October 2020 to now be 99&nbsp;per cent higher over the year.

HIA&nbsp;economist&nbsp;Angela Lillicrap says HIA&#39;s new home sales data suggests the detached housing finance approvals will continue to be strong over the coming months.

&ldquo;It is evident in today&rsquo;s data that HomeBuilder has been successful in boosting confidence in the market and creating work on the ground,&rdquo; Ms Lillicrap says, adding that the extension of&nbsp;HomeBuilder will see the strength in housing finance data extend into 2021,&quot; Lillicrap says.

The value of construction loan commitments grew 5.6 per cent in November, rising 75 per cent since July. This follows the June implementation of the Government&rsquo;s HomeBuilder grant in response to COVID-19.&nbsp;

Loans for first home buyers also soared in November, with 13,905 loan commitments from first home buyers&nbsp;the highest since 2009. The number of loans accounted for&nbsp;42 per cent of the total number of owner occupier loans issued in November.

<img alt="" height="866" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/record_home_lending_commsec.jpg" width="1200" />

CommSec economist Ryan Felsman says housing activity across Australia is buoyant, supported by record low mortgage rates and government policy initiatives.

&quot;Home prices are lifting, new home sales have hit decade highs and increasing numbers of young Aussies are committing to home ownership,&quot; Felsman says.

New housing loan approvals hit record highs in November with the easing of lockdown restrictions in Victoria (up 19.6 per cent) further driving up home loan demand.

<h2>Am I eligible&nbsp;for HomeBuilder?</h2>

Time is running out for prospective HomeBuilder applicants to to advantage of the&nbsp;$15,000 grant to construct a new home, with the government stimulus set to conclude on March 31. Applications however will now be taken until April 14 2021.

To be eligible for HomeBuilder, below are the criteria:

-&nbsp;Construction must commence within six months of the contract being signed.

- The property value cannot exceed $950,000 in NSW, $850,000 in Victoria or $750,000 in all other States and Territories.

-&nbsp;Applications must be submitted to the relevant State Revenue Office by April 14 2021.

<h2>What can I buy?</h2>

Urban has taken a look at some projects across the country which qualify for HomeBuilder grants.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/haven-278-288-blackshaws-road-altona-north">Haven, Altona Heights</a>

Prices: From $605,000

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/haven-278-288-blackshaws-road-altona-north"><img alt="" height="778" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/haven_altona.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

The Stockland developed Haven in Altona North offers a collection of boutique townhouses, designed by the award-winning SJB Architects. They have two, three and four bedroom townhouses, with prices starting from $605,000 for the two bed, two bath townhouses with a parking spot.

The three bedroom townhouses, spanning nearly 200 sqm, start from $742,000 and the four bedroom townhouses start from $805,000, with 216 sqm of space.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/luma-247-st-albans-road-sunshine-north">Luma, Sunshine North</a>

Prices: From $545,000

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/luma-247-st-albans-road-sunshine-north"><img alt="" height="607" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/luma_st_albans.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

Development Victoria have secured a prime site in Sunshine North, with a vision to create a brand new collection of 300 townhomes, comprising of two, three and four bedroom configurations.

Prices start from $545,000 for the two bedroom townhouses set in a master-planned community by RobertsDay, with plans for a new 3,600 sqm park.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/sixth-avenue-15-sixth-avenue-chelsea-heights">Sixth Avenue, Chelsea Heights</a>

Prices: From $599,000

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/sixth-avenue-15-sixth-avenue-chelsea-heights"><img alt="" height="912" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sixth_avenue_chelsea_heights.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

Point Architects have designed the townhomes in the bayside Chelsea Heights, the development of the Aultun Group. They&#39;ve created 59 townhomes with prices starting at $599,000 for the two bedroom townhouses set over two stories. The three bedders start from $650,000 and the four bedroom townhouses from $820,000.

Sixth Ave. Chelsea Heights has already achieved&nbsp;a &lsquo;Best Practice&rsquo; rating for BESS (Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard) with many key sustainable design strategies including a 5 star gas hot water system, water efficient tapware and showerheads as well as bicycle parking provided within each home and recycled water for garden irrigation and toilet flushing. &nbsp; 
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New home loan commitments in November jumped a further 7.2 per cent higher than the record-breaking levels in October 2020.



HomeBuilder impact sees new home loan approvals continue to break record levels

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The Federal Government’s $25,000 Homebuilder package for the housing sector will help promote jobs and activity as New South Wales recovers from the economic effects of COVID-19.
That is important as construction is a key pillar of the economy – generating 7.5 percent of the nation’s growth as Australia’s third-biggest employer, after retail and health care and social assistance.
The $688 million package hopes to pull forward activity to avert the jobs cliff that could arise as exisiting projects finish in the second half of 2020 and early 2021.
The industry was not shutdown unlike other industries. But the package is aimed at forward work pipelines, with the time frame requiring quicker state government and council approvals, before any impact on the actual property market and prices and rents.
The program aims to provide 27,000 grants by December this year. It is for owner-occupiers, especially cashed up first home buyers, but not investors.
The means-tested grants will be restricted to large renovations and the construction of new homes as the project cost must be at least $150,000.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the scheme would drive a "tradie-led recovery" of the economy, and would support 140,000 direct construction jobs and a million workers in the wider residential building sector.
"The industry is facing a valley of death," the Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn warned.
The scheme will last until the end of the year, aiming to get 30,000 homes underway by Christmas.
Construction must commence within three months of the contract date.
Those eligible are singles who earned up to $125,000 the 2018-2019 tax year and couples who earned up to $200,000.
The scheme will work alongside existing state and territory first-home owner grants programs, stamp duty concessions and other grant schemes, including the federal government’s popular first-home loan deposit scheme and first-home super saver scheme.
The desired economic recovery will be swifter for having a housing that is robust, but there will be many would-be home owners who can't, won't or shouldn't participate.
It comes up against the backdrop that typically less than 20 percent of first-home buyers prefer to buy newly-constructed homes.
There are price thresholds that apply to the Homebuilder package, especially in Sydney which will be restrictive in most suburbs.
If you are building a new home the total value of the completed house and land needs to be less than $750,000.
Or if substantially renovating your existing home the value of your existing property does not exceed $1.5 million.
The package will primarily have an effect in the outer suburbs and its greenfield housing markets. Mostly people some way down the track to either buying or building will likely get to participate.
The scheme also covers buying units off the plan that are construction ready.
Architect academic Geoff Hanmer says no doubt the scheme's structure will encourage people to build in coffee makers, microwaves, fridges and washing machines to bump the contract price up above the $150,000 minimum.
Beware too that there are unscrupulous builders who may take advantage of the scheme, warns the NSW builder broker, Builder Finders' Lynette Manciameli, is concerned that the scheme is vulnerable to exploitation.
“What we are likely to see off the back of the HomeBuilder scheme is dodgy builders coming out of the woodwork." Mrs Manciameli suggests.
Adding it is more important than ever for consumers to do their due diligence when selecting a builder for their project including seeking out testimonials and checking credit scores.
This article was first published in The Daily Telegraph
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HomeBuilder scheme will drive a tradie-led recovery

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The announcement of HomeBuilder has triggered a land rush, with enquiries for vacant residential land surging over the past two months.
Email enquiries to residential agents on realestate.com.au hit a record high in June, increasing by 11.2 per cent following a 36.6 per cent increase in May. Year-on-year, total email enquiries to agents has doubled.
A closer look at the data shows part of this growth can be attributed to a surging interest in vacant land on the back of the Federal Government’s Homebuilder stimulus announcement.
Even though vacant land enquiries are a very small overall share of total email enquiries, representing just 14.7 per cent in June, the data shows vacant land enquiries have soared to a record high – up 58.8 per cent over the month on June.
In terms of who is leading the land rush, the data overwhelmingly points to first-home buyers, with enquiry from first timers up 177.8 per cent over the month.
Comparatively, enquiry from non-first-home buyer owner occupiers was up 35.4 per cent over the month, while investor enquiries rose 25.8 per cent.
So where are first-home buyers most active?
Interestingly, the monthly increase in New South Wales (55.2%) was relatively muted compared to increases in Victoria (132.1%), Queensland (208.5%), South Australia (215.9%) and Western Australia (616.6%).
 
However, given the relatively high price of land in Sydney, and the fact that HomeBuilder eligibility requirements mean you need to acquire land and build a house for under $750,000, it’s perhaps not all too surprising NSW has seen the smallest increase in activity.
There’s also evidence that this surge in enquiry is translating into sales.
We measure sales volumes on a weekly basis by counting the number of properties that were listed for sale on realestate.com.au that were shifted by agents, during the same week, to the sold section of the website.
Cameron Kusher is the Executive Manager of Economic Research at REA
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