HomeBuilder provides eligible owner-occupiers (including first home buyers) with a grant to build a new home or substantially renovate an existing home. HomeBuilder assists the residential construction sector by encouraging the commencement of new home builds and renovations. On 29 November 2020, the Government announced an extension to the HomeBuilder program to 31 March 2021. Changes to the HomeBuilder program include:
- A $15,000 grant for building contracts (new builds and substantial renovations) signed between 1 January 2021 and 31 March 2021, inclusive.
- An extended deadline for all applications to be submitted, including those applying for the $25,000 grant and the new $15,000 grant. Applications can now be submitted up until 14 April 2021 (inclusive). This will apply to all eligible contracts signed on or after 4 June 2020.
- An increase to the property price cap for new build contracts in New South Wales and Victoria to $950,000 and $850,000, respectively, where the contract is signed between 1 January 2021 and 31 March 2021, inclusive.
- The existing new build property price cap of $750,000 will continue to apply in all other States and Territories.
- A change in licensing requirements and registration for builders, as below:
- Where an eligible contract is signed on or after 29 November 2020, the builder must have a valid licence or registration before 29 November 2020.
- Where an eligible contract is signed before 29 November 2020, the builder must have a valid licence or registration before 4 June 2020.
Other than the above, the existing program criteria applies. That is, the other existing eligibility criteria remains in place and the $25,000 grant will still be available for eligible contracts signed on or before 31 December 2020.
A summary of the changes to HomeBuilder are outlined in the table below:
| HomeBuilder program criteria | Contracts signed between 4 June and 31 December 2020 (inclusive) | Contracts signed between 1 January and 31 March 2021 (inclusive) |
|---|---|---|
| Grant amount (new builds and substantial renovations) | $25,000 | $15,000 |
| Construction commencement timeframe | Construction must commence within six months of the contract being signed. | |
| New build price cap | Property value cannot exceed $750,000 | Property value cannot exceed:
|
| Substantial renovation price cap | The value of the property cannot exceed $1.5 million (pre renovation). | |
| Application deadline | Applications must be submitted to the relevant State Revenue Office by 14 April 2021. | |
| Licensing requirements for builders/developers |
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| Other eligibility criteria | Existing program eligibility criteria remains. | |
For more information including fact sheets in respect of the HomeBuilder extension, frequently asked questions and state and territory contacts please visit treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/homebuilder or speak with one of our friendly team members.