With the First Home Owners Grant, you can buy a new home or build your first home with Move Homes.
The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a name that gets thrown around quite frequently when considering becoming a new homeowner for the first time. And, you may already know the major key point – that first home buyers or first home builders receive $10,000 towards their new home. However, you may not know some of the nitty and gritty details about this government grant for building new houses or purchasing existing properties in Perth and across Western Australia.
What is the First Home Owners Grant?
The FHOG or First Home Owners Grant is a Government-funded one-off payment of $10,000 to help assist first home buyers to buy or build a residential property. It is a grant created by the Government to encourage individuals or couples to buy or build a new home to serve as their permanent place of residence.
How does the First Home Buyers Grant work?
The grant is not a cash payment made directly to the person, rather it is given to your home lender, bank or mortgage broker 15 days after you have signed the contract. and As such, the grant is directly is applied to your home loan to reduce existing due payment.
Only one grant is given per eligible transaction – so if there are two people buying a house together they would only receive one grant. The grant is not available for the purchase of an established home or for renovations to your existing home.
Eligibility
• Is at least 18 years of age
• Have to be a first time home buyer who has not previously owned or had an interest in a property in Australia either separately or jointly.
• Must intend to be owner-occupiers of the property for at least 6 months.
• Couples are only eligible if they are married or in a de-facto relationship with each other.
• Anyone of the couple must have not received any other grants related to building or purchasing a home
Regardless of your income, the FHOG is open to anyone so long as they meet the criteria. The value of your purchased home or the home that you are planning to build may affect your eligibility for the grant. For more information, please talk to our property specialists on (08) 9249 4455.
How does the First Home Owners Grant application work?
When you’re applying for a loan through an approved lender/agent, you will also fill out the First Home Owners Grant application, which the lender will process with your loan application. Otherwise, you can apply for the grant directly through the Department of Finance website.
When does the First Home Owners Grant get paid?
The grant payment depends on the type of transaction and how your application was submitted.
New or off the plan home
- Through an approved agent: at the date of settlement.
- Through the DOF: after you have provided evidence that your name has been registered on the Certificate of Title, which is roughly three to six weeks after settlement.
Contract to build
- Through an approved agent: when they have provided evidence of the date of first construction progress payment (for example, slab down).
- Through the DOF: after you have provided evidence that your name has been registered on the Certificate of Title and evidence of the date of first construction progress payment.
Owner builder
- Once a valuation has been carried out by a DOF agent or you provide a valuation from a licenced valuer.
- When you or the approved agent have provided evidence that the home is ready for occupation and
- As soon as your name is registered on the Certificate of Title.
*If you have applied through an approved agent, they will receive the grant on your behalf 15 days after you have signed the contract. If you have applied through the DOF, you’ll receive the grant.
Information provided is from the Department of Finance.
Want to find out if you’re eligible for the First Home Owners Grant? Send us a message and we’ll be in touch!
What type of home can I buy or build?
To qualify for the First Home Owners Grant, the residential property you must be buying or building only include the following:
- A new or a recently-built home
- A house and land package
- An off-the-plan apartment or townhouse
After 12 months of settlement after purchasing your new home or 12 months after building your home, you must occupy the house as your primary place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months.
If you are looking for a trusted Perth home builder, Move Homes is one of the best in the industry.
Perth House and Land Packages
As a member of The Prime Group, we have access to exclusive land developments and bulk purchasing power which allows us to sell lower than most local developers. We have affordable house and land packages throughout Perth including its North and South suburbs.
Customisable Home Designs
Move Homes has over 30 customisable home designs to suit all block shapes and sizes. Our house designs have been created with the Perth lifestyle in mind. From first time home buyers to seasoned property hunters, we have the homes fit to suit your family and your lifestyle.
FAQ – First Home Buyers Grant
What’s the First Home Owners Grant?
The First Home Owners Grant was introduced in 2000 as a way to assist first home buyers on their journey to purchasing their first home. The grant is available as a one-off payment to those over the age of 18, who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
How do I know if I’m eligible for the First Home Owners Grant?
To be eligible for the First Home Buyers Grant, you must be over the age of 18, intend to occupy the property for at least six months and be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Are couples eligible for the First Home Owners Grant?
Only one First Home Owner Grant is given per eligible transaction. Therefore, if a couple is looking to purchase a house together, they’ll receive one grant only.
Are there other exemptions to eligible applicants for the First Home Owners Grant?
If the applicant is not yet 18 years old, he or she may be eligible for the FHOG if they apply for the Exemption Where Applicant is Under 18 Years of Age. For more information, you may talk to us on 9249 4455 or send us an online message.
Does FHOG apply when purchasing renovated homes?
If you are a first time home buyer purchasing a “substantially renovated” residential property, then you are eligible to apply for First Home Owners Grant. To see if your home fits the ‘substantially renovated’ category or for more information, get in touch with Move Homes on 9249 4455 or send us an email.
How much money can you save with the First Home Owners Grant?
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) can contribute up to $10,000 when you buy or build a new home.
How do I get the First Home Owners Grant?
The First Home Owner Grant can be attained when going through your bank or mortgage broker. They will collate all the documents, so this will all be taken care of. Move Homes doesn’t have any involvement with the application of the grant- it’s all done by their finance team. We, however, can connect you to reputable brokers and provide advice as we go through this journey of building your new home.
Can Move Homes help me move with this grant?
Definitely! We can help you acquire your land and house package which fits the government first home buyers grant and your budget. With the First Home Owners Grant, we can design your dream home and help you move into your first home in Perth. Get in touch with Move Homes agents today!
Are there other financial grants or loan schemes available?
Our finance team will match you with the perfect home loan to suit your personal circumstances. Speak to us on 9249 4455 or send your enquiries and we shall be happy to get back to you with more options.