Are you eligible for the First Home Owner Grant?

Are you eligible for the First Home Owner Grant in Adelaide

Find out all you need to know about the First Home Owner Grant & HomeBuilder Grant in South Australia

Are you building your first home and wondering if you’re eligible for the First Home Owner Grant? Thanks to the Government, this scheme is helping many South Australians get into the property market sooner. A little financial relief to assist with building your first dream home is always welcome.

Below, we’re delving in to tell you all you need to know about if you’re eligible for the First Home Owner Grant in Adelaide, along with answering some other frequently asked questions.

About the First Home Owner Grant

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) was first introduced to offset GST on homeownership and has been helping Australian citizens to purchase their first home since the year 2000.

Over the years, the price and eligibility conditions have changed, and now, as of 2020, the First Home Owner Grant in Adelaide, and greater South Australia, is worth $15,000. This one-off grant payment, paid by the State Government, is for eligible first home owners to either build or purchase a new home (this includes residential properties, such as a house, unit, townhouse, villa or apartment).

Your new home or new build must be worth $575,000 or less (this price includes the land value and building contract). Other eligibility terms apply, which we’ll go through later.

Can I apply for the First Home Owner Grant for an established home in SA?

No, unfortunately, the First Home Owner Grant ceased for established homes from 1 July 2014. So, the First Home Owner Grant is not available for an established home and cannot be used to purchase land only.

The First Home Owner Grant in Adelaide, SA, can only be accessed by eligible first home owners, for the purchase or construction of a new residential property that meets local planning standards.

What are the eligibility requirements for the South Australian First Home Owner Grant?

To be eligible for the First Home Owner Grant in South Australia, you must meet the following requirements:

  • The grant will not be split, it is payable per eligible transaction regardless of the number of applicants. At least one of the applicants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. New Zealand citizens with Special Category Visas, residing in Australia, may also apply.
  • All applicants must be at least 18 years of age or over at the time of application.
  • The applicant or their spouse/domestic partner cannot have previously owned a residential property anywhere in Australia before 1 July 2000.
  • The applicant or their spouse/domestic partner cannot have previously owned a residential property anywhere in Australia on or after 1 July 2000 and lived in that property for 6 months or more.
  • The newly built or purchased home must be occupied by the applicants, as their primary place of residence, for a continuous period of at least 6 months (within 1 year of the eligible transaction).
  • The property must be a new home (this definition includes any fixed dwelling that is suitable as a residence) or the construction of a new residential property that meets local planning standards, with a market value that does not exceed $575,000 (including the land value and building contract).
  • The applicants must be ‘natural persons’ (i.e. not a company or trust), there may be an exception in cases of legal disability applicants.


Is the First Home Owner Grant means-tested?

No. The grant is not means-tested. Your income or wealth doesn’t affect your eligibility.

Is there a timeframe to apply for the First Home Owner Grant?

There are timeframes as to when you need to apply for the First Home Owner Grant. These differ depending on if you are purchasing a new home, have a contract to build, or if you’re an owner-builder, as outlined below:

Purchasing a new residential property: You will need to apply for the First Home Owner Grant within the first 12 months of purchasing and registering the title.

Building a new home or Owner-builder: Applications need to be within the first 12 months of the completion of the build (issue of the final inspection certificate).

How do I apply for the First Home Owner Grant?

To apply for the First Home Owner Grant in South Australia, you will need to complete an FHOG application form. This form, along with the required supporting documentation, can then be lodged through an approved bank or lender, or lodged in person or posted to Revenue SA.

When is the grant paid?

House Fund

 

The payment of the First Home Owner Grant depends on the type of property arrangement.

The purchase of a new home or off-the-plan home:

Applying through an approved bank or lender – the grant is paid at the date of settlement.

Applying through RevenueSA – once approved following your proof of lodgement for registration with the Lands Titles Office, payment of the grant is within 5 days.

Contract to build:

Applying through an approved bank or lender – payment received on the date of the first progress payment by the approved bank or lender.

Applying through RevenueSA – payment is within 5 days after approval of the application, following proof that the foundation has been laid (a copy of the first progress invoice is also required).

Owner-builder

Applying through an approved bank or lender – payment is made when the appropriate supporting documentation required by the approved bank or lender is received.

Applying through RevenueSA – once RevenueSA has approved the application, lodged with the required supporting documentation, payment is made within 5 days.

To apply for the First Home Owner Grant in Adelaide, or to find out more, you can visit the RevenueSA website.

Have you also heard of the HomeBuilder Grant?

 

For a limited time only, the Federal Government has introduced the HomeBuilder Grant, and the good news is that this is not just for first home buyers!

The HomeBuilder Grant provides a great boost for those that sign a new build contract between the 4th of June 2020 and the 31st March 2021. There are certain eligibility requirements, and this grant is means tested on your income. You can find out more about the HomeBuilder Grant here.

However, depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible for either the First Home Owner Grant or the HomeBuilder Grant, or, depending on the total price of the build and your income, you may be eligible for both. That would give you a great head start to home ownership!

Lofty Building Group, the custom home builders in Adelaide, are here to help and always have your back. We’re happy to assist, regardless of the stage you’re at. If you already have land, you’re welcome to bring your own plans or work with our experts to create the home of your dreams.

We also have a range of stunning Adelaide house and land packages available. And, with Lofty FastTrack, we can build your high-quality, custom home in 12 weeks*.

At Lofty, we do things differently. We care for our clients like no other builder does. Experience the Lofty difference for yourself, call us today on 8266 0011 and see how we can help you get into your dream home sooner.

*Terms & Conditions apply

Please note: This article is in no way intended to be taken as legal or financial advice. All consumers should check the information available on the RevenueSA website to make their own independent decision.

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