FIRST HOME OWNER GRANT SCHEME  April 2001

FIRST HOME OWNER GRANT SCHEME  April 2001

The First Home Owner Grant has been doubled from $7,000 to $14,000 to assist first home owners who enter into a contract to build or purchase a new, but previously unoccupied home between 9 March and 31 December 2001. In NSW this Scheme is administered through the Office of State Revenue (OSR) and my office has been receiving a number of inquiries in this regard.

This Scheme is a Commonwealth-State Government initiative designed to assist first home buyers in purchasing or building their first home. Other assistance is also available such as stamp duty concessions and exemptions.

The eligibility criteria is the same as for the original $7,000 if;
this is the first time you or your partner will receive a grant under the First Home Owners Grant Act 2000 in any State or Territory of Australia
you or your partner have not owned before 1/7/00 a residential property, jointly, separately or with some other person, in any State or Territory of Australia
you or your partner have not owned on/after 1/7/00 a residential property and and occupied that property (other than the property to which your application relates) jointly, separately or with some other person in any State or Territory of Australia
each application is a natural person and not a company or trust.
at least one applicant is a permanent resident or Australian Citizen
at least one applicant will occupy the home as their principal place of residence within 12 months of settlement or construction.
you have entered a contract for the purchase of a home on/after 1/7/00 or signed a contract to build a home on/after 1/7/00. In the case of a owner-builder, you commenced laying foundations on/after 1/7/00
There can be special circumstances and in these cases I urge people to contact my office to discuss an application for an "Out of the Ordinary Request" to the OSR Commissioner. Enquiries can also be made direct to the Home Purchase Assistance Authority on 1800 806 653.