The NSW Government has unveiled plans that could deliver around 1,300 new homes across Nowra and Kiama, continuing its push to unlock housing in well-located regional centres along the South Coast.

The proposals, now on public exhibition, would pave the way for around 830 homes in Nowra and a further 450 homes in Kiama, while also introducing affordable housing requirements and increased building heights in key locations.

The larger of the two proposals is centred on Nowra, where the NSW Government is seeking to rezone land within the Mandalay and Riverfront precincts.

The Mandalay sub-precinct, located close to Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital, Nowra Library and the city's aquatic centre, could accommodate around 530 new homes. Around 30 per cent of housing delivered on Homes NSW-owned land would be dedicated to social and affordable housing, equating to roughly 100 homes. Building heights would increase from the current two-storey limit to between three and six storeys.

A separate rezoning proposal for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct would unlock a further 377 homes while creating stronger connections between the Shoalhaven River and the CBD. The plans include building heights ranging from five to 12 storeys, floor space ratios of up to 2:1 and a requirement for two per cent affordable housing.

Together, the two proposals would deliver more than 900 homes across the broader Nowra area, reinforcing the city's role as one of regional NSW's key growth centres.

The housing push builds on previous infrastructure commitments in the Shoalhaven, including government funding aimed at supporting thousands of future homes in West Nowra through upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure.

Further north, the NSW Government is also progressing plans for the former Kiama Depot site, a two-hectare parcel near Kiama's town centre.

The rezoning proposal would transform the former industrial site into a residential community capable of delivering up to 450 homes. Buildings would range between six and eight storeys, with at least 10 per cent of homes allocated as affordable housing. The proposal also includes approximately 600 parking spaces and improved walking and cycling connections.

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the proposals are designed to increase housing supply in locations close to jobs, transport and services.

"For too long, families have struggled to find somewhere to live, and activating underutilised sites allows us to deliver the new homes these families need," Scully said.

"The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of unlocking well-located sites close to transport, jobs, and town centres and building the homes our communities need.

"These rezonings are about removing barriers to housing delivery and making sure land is put to better use so more people can find a place to call home within the communities they choose."

The latest rezonings form part of the Minns Government's broader strategy to accelerate housing delivery across NSW, particularly in established centres where existing infrastructure can support additional population growth.

Community consultation on the proposals is now underway, with feedback set to inform the final planning controls before the rezonings are determined.

Joel Robinson

Around 1,300 new homes earmarked for Nowra and Kiama as NSW Government pushes housing supply

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mrcb">MRCB International</a> has commenced construction on its latest Gold Coast apartment development, Maris, on the site of the former Sundale Motel in Southport.

The start of construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">Binah</a> follows an exceptionally strong sales campaign, with more than 90 per cent of apartments sold since launch. Every purchaser has been local, an&nbsp;indicator of confidence in both the development and Southport's evolution into a thriving CBD.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maris-southport-20-queen-street-southport-qld-4215">Maris</a> will deliver 192 residences across 20 levels. The project forms part of MRCB's Australian and New Zealand development pipeline now exceeding $1.6 billion in gross development value, alongside a growing portfolio of projects globally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350663]

The company also commenced construction on its $600 million 26 Vista residences in Surfers Paradise last year, following strong sales momentum, with over 70 per cent of residences sold.

Maris has been designed to meet evolving buyer demand, offering architecturally designed layouts suited to long-term liveability. The approach reflects a growing preference for quality and adaptability among Gold Coast buyers.

Positioned next to the Broadwater in the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southport-qld-4215">Southport</a> CBD, Maris sits directly opposite the Broadwater Parklands light rail station and within easy reach of retail, dining and lifestyle precincts, placing residents at the centre of one of the Gold Coast's most connected and rapidly maturing urban centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372756]

Maris will offer a full suite of resort-style residential amenities, including a pool, gym and sauna, along with a rooftop level featuring decks, lounges and dining and yoga areas that command sweeping views across the Broadwater and out to the ocean.

Binah, a New South Wales headquartered company co-founded by Amen Zoabi and Khalil Hafza in 2008, has expressed its excitement at establishing its first partnership with MRCB.

Binah's Managing Director Khalil Hafza said partnering with MRCB on Maris is a significant moment for Binah.

"MRCB's financial strength and a track record that speaks for itself give this project a solid foundation, and this marks the beginning of what will be a long and successful relationship.

"With the right people, systems and partnerships behind it, Maris is set to become a significant addition to the Gold Coast's premium residential market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350664]

MRCB International CEO Ravi Krishnan said the project's progression to construction reflects both sustained demand and tightening conditions across the apartment sector, as well as MRCB's continued confidence in the Gold Coast market.

"Commencing construction at Maris is a significant step and reflects the depth of demand for quality apartments in well-connected urban locations," said Krishnan.

"Across Southeast Queensland, new apartment supply remains constrained, particularly in established precincts with infrastructure and amenity already in place. Projects like Maris are increasingly critical in meeting that demand, especially on the Gold Coast and in the city's CBD precinct."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372761]

Krishnan said Southport's ongoing transformation, supported by infrastructure investment and long-term planning, was underpinning renewed buyer confidence.

"We're seeing a clear shift back towards well-located urban centres where infrastructure, connectivity and amenity are already established," said Mr Krishnan. "Southport is evolving into a more mature CBD environment, and that is being reflected in buyer behaviour."

Construction at Maris is anticipated to be completed in 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134403]

Construction commences on MRCB’s $200m Maris Residences in Southport

Moonee Valley Park’s latest residential release <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveline-at-moonee-valley-park-moonee-ponds-100-thomas-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">The Eveline</a>, has achieved a new benchmark for off-the-plan apartment sales in the suburb, with the sale of The Alexandra penthouse selling for $5,435,000.

Positioned on the top floor of a 16-level residential building, the three-bedroom, three and-a-half-bathroom penthouse features uninterrupted city skyline views across the future Valley racetrack.&nbsp;

The landmark sale comes as momentum at the precinct continues to build, with the Moonee Valley Racing Club progressing works on its new racetrack ahead of the 2027 Cox Plate. The transformative development will see MVRC reimagine the beloved Valley as a vibrant year-round entertainment and lifestyle destination.

Alongside a world-class racing experience, the historic precinct will be activated with events, hospitality and public green spaces designed to attract broader audiences, while breathing new life into one of Melbourne’s most iconic destinations.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372786]

Development partners <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton Property Group</a> and Hostplus have delivered five residential stages over the past four years, the most recent in November 2025 with Trackside House and Stonepine House. The flourishing community is now home to almost 500 families.&nbsp;

The latest residential release, The Eveline, has recorded strong demand since launching publicly last July, securing more than $200 million in sales to date, satisfying its pre sales hurdle for construction to commence.&nbsp;

Hamton Founder and Executive Chairman, Paul Hameister OAM said, the sales&nbsp;team have been overwhelmed by demand for these unique homes in this unique project.

"Buyers continue to be predominantly hyperlocal and attracted by the 40 hectare botanic masterplan in Melbourne’s inner north west," Hameister said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372788]

Hamton’s Sales and Marketing Director Fergus Humphries said the team has achieved more than 70 sales over the past eight weeks, including the penthouse purchase by a local buyer.

"These results reinforce that, even in a challenging market, purchasers continue to be drawn to quality projects that offer more than just a home, they offer a lifestyle.”

Designed by Cera Stribley, the penthouse has been created with entertaining in mind, spanning close to 400 sqm of indoor and outdoor living space, including multiple terraces designed to capture sweeping views across Melbourne’s skyline, the new Valley racecourse and sunset views over Moonee Ponds.

Moonee Valley Park is one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects, transforming the iconic racecourse site into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood integrating homes, parklands, retail, racing and community amenities.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142519]

Moonee Valley Park penthouse sets suburb record as sales surge clears construction benchmark

A company linked to one of Australia's largest privately owned cattle businesses has lodged plans for a new residential tower in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newstead-qld-4006">Newstead</a>, continuing the rapid transformation of one of Brisbane's most sought-after, inner-city precincts.

Bottletree Holdings, an entity associated with Stanbroke Managing Director Brendan Menegazzo, has submitted a development application for a 28-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/9-longland-street-newstead-qld-4006">9 Longland Street</a>, a site that made headlines last year when it changed hands in an off-market transaction that reportedly set a benchmark land rate for the suburb.

The proposal would replace an existing two-storey commercial building on the 1,510 sqm corner site with a Bureau Proberts-designed tower comprising 76 apartments, ground-floor retail, office space and a suite of resident wellness amenities.

<img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c710a836-568e-4382-bc91-3c34b8e80a8b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Vy.mQWBc7GA_a.vIBdxKqRC9XGjWalo2" />

According to planning documents lodged with Brisbane City Council, the development would comprise a mix of 36 two-bedroom apartments, 24 three-bedroom apartments and 16 four-bedroom residences, positioning the project firmly at the premium end of the market. The apartments would sit above a podium containing retail and commercial space, with three levels of communal recreation facilities spread throughout the tower. The proposal also includes 198 car spaces and 95 bicycle spaces.

Bureau Proberts has drawn heavily on Newstead's industrial heritage in developing the architectural response.

"Occupying a prominent corner in the heart of Newstead, the proposal draws from the area's industrial lineage of robust brick warehouses to deliver a distinctly contemporary response," the architects said in the design statement.

"It is conceived as a subtropical sanctuary and elevated private retreat embedded within one of Brisbane's most vibrant lifestyle precincts."

The design seeks to reinterpret the traditional Queensland vernacular through wraparound verandahs, deep shading elements and permeable facades that respond to Brisbane's subtropical climate.

<img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25524f59-395c-4825-8fad-9b639822fa8a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.09%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=dlWlbpCc_g3Y6yTLGqRVKvGJvO2ubMJ3" />

Planning documents describe the building as embodying the principles of "buildings that breathe", a design approach increasingly favoured in Brisbane's apartment market as developers focus on natural ventilation and outdoor living spaces.

The tower itself would rise above a heavily landscaped podium designed to reference the woolstore architecture that helped define Newstead and neighbouring Teneriffe for generations. At ground level, fine-grain retail tenancies would activate Longland Street, Wyandra Street and the existing Wyatt Street laneway, further extending the pedestrian network that has become a hallmark of the Gasworks precinct.

The application notes that more than 54 per cent of the site would be dedicated to landscaping and deep planting, while approximately 1,750 sqm of communal recreation space would be delivered across multiple levels.

<img alt="Planning" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fed3b189-1054-4b68-af5f-b0befc4a66e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.19%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=gqeE3cjsbnLAfeTUKA1HtPZfqDs6S4Xa" />

Bottletree paid $22 million for the 1,510 sqm development site, equating to more than $14,500 per sqm, a reflection of the strong demand for development opportunities in Newstead. The suburb continues to attract both developers and buyers, underpinned by the ongoing evolution of the Gasworks and Teneriffe precincts into some of Brisbane's most sought-after lifestyle destinations.

Brisbane City Council's Sustainable Growth Strategy and Inner City Strategy both identify Newstead as a priority growth precinct capable of accommodating additional housing density due to its proximity to employment hubs, public transport and lifestyle infrastructure.

The proposed tower joins a growing pipeline of high-end apartment developments in the suburb. Fortis recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a>, a 65-apartment owner-occupier-focused development on Kyabra Street, while Consolidated Properties Group is preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a 227-apartment waterfront project on Skyring Terrace.

Meanwhile, builder-developer BPG is planning its own Newstead project on Maud Street, comprising just over 100 apartments and more than 1,380 sqm of dedicated wellness and resident amenity spaces, further highlighting the shift towards lifestyle-driven apartment developments in Brisbane's inner-city market.

Newstead apartment boom continues with Longland Street tower plans

ALAND has taken the next major step in delivering its vision for Leppington Town Centre, lodging State Significant Development plans for a $549 million residential precinct that would bring more than 1,200 new homes within walking distance of Leppington Station.

The proposal, now on public exhibition, forms the Residential Core Precinct of the broader Leppington Town Centre masterplan and would transform a 4.3-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/156-166-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">156-166 Rickard Road</a> into a high-density mixed-use neighbourhood comprising nine residential buildings rising between six and 25 storeys.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc20982d-a0a9-4989-8fb3-680ca9fdcd10" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=l5EEyS6Dkf_SLDQkwDeyAU2nXkSZP2RW" />

The development has been designed by Rothelowman and is being pursued through a State Significant Development Application alongside a concurrent rezoning request under the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

If approved, the project would deliver 1,206 dwellings, including 784 build-to-sell apartments, 208 build-to-rent apartments, 189 affordable housing units and a nine-storey serviced apartment building containing 112 rooms. The proposal also includes around 7,400 sqm of non-residential floor space, new public open space, communal recreation areas and a new internal street network.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4f80d3b-cb05-4068-8a87-808317807a99" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KfPqh1JBuxc53IWntEzGHAeBaCLmRmum" />

<h2 data-end="1990" data-section-id="s6350" data-start="1941">A key piece of Leppington's future town centre</h2>

The site sits around 250 metres from Leppington Station, which opened in 2015 as the terminus of the South West Rail Link and has long been earmarked as the catalyst for the suburb's transformation from a rural fringe location into a major strategic centre for Western Sydney.

Leppington has become increasingly important following the announcement of the Western Sydney International Airport and the emergence of Bradfield City Centre, with government planning identifying the precinct as a significant location for future housing and employment growth.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ca0f098-affc-48c0-80d3-468ea090a20c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.26%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=o3mwgBFT6H9YUllI0JR.JfLsUYQy1CTa" />

According to Rothelowman, the proposal responds directly to Leppington's unique position between its agricultural past and its urban future.

"The site offers an opportunity to weave together multiple layers of history, from its ancient connections to Country along the ridgeline between two waterways and its origins as part of the Cumberland woodland, to its more recent agricultural uses, and its future as a new residential community," the architects said in the design report.

The architects said the project aims to establish a high-density residential typology that combines apartment living with extensive landscaping and public open space.

"The design responds by establishing a high-density typology that combines the convenience and amenity of contemporary apartment living with a renewed native landscape."

<h2 data-end="3541" data-section-id="1ko88s2" data-start="3485">Nine buildings arranged around parks and public space</h2>

The proposal has been designed around a landscape-led framework rather than a traditional podium-and-tower approach.

Across the site, approximately 7,500 sqm of public open space would be delivered through a network of north-south and east-west linear parks, connecting into the wider Leppington Town Centre open space network. A further 8,000 sqm of communal open space would be provided for residents.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5113abf-5440-4610-9cdc-60a0d41a407e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=k8zLMj4yZS4hStmGzZJfosjj5iArwIek" />

Rothelowman said the design seeks to maximise landscaping at ground level by concentrating development into compact tower footprints.

"Buildings are carefully lifted and distributed to minimise disturbance to the natural terrain, allowing the ground plane to remain open, permeable, and led by landscape," the design report states.

Rather than creating a continuous podium edge, the design team has focused on allowing landscaping to extend beneath and around the buildings.

"The ground plane is conceived as an extension of the surrounding environment, allowing landscape to flow up to and beneath the built forms."

The architectural language also draws on the area's natural landscape, with Rothelowman describing a material palette influenced by local gum trees, bark textures, creek systems and sandstone tones.

<h2 data-end="4971" data-section-id="s69utu" data-start="4922">Affordable housing and build-to-rent component</h2>

One of the more significant aspects of the proposal is the diversity of housing typologies.

In addition to traditional apartments for sale, the scheme includes a dedicated 25-storey build-to-rent building with 208 apartments and a 22-storey affordable housing building containing 189 homes.

The affordable housing component represents almost 16 per cent of the total dwellings proposed within the Residential Core Precinct.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f87e6808-e462-44c6-bfa8-a3de1816f2e3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.33.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WTsRKiUAyWw18S5S98yQB5oVuDcnJTxB" />

Community consultation undertaken ahead of the lodgement found support for additional housing in the area, particularly given ongoing affordability challenges across South West Sydney. Survey work conducted with local residents found housing affordability was one of the poorest-rated aspects of living in Leppington, while a majority of respondents were open to additional housing within the local government area.

The site's proximity to Leppington Station was identified as the most positively viewed aspect of the proposal, while public open space and affordable housing provisions also received majority support.

<h2 data-end="6184" data-section-id="1ngkie4" data-start="6140">Part of Leppington's broader expansion</h2>

ALAND will be a significant contributor to the broader vision for Leppington Town Centre, which is expected to accommodate more than 25,000 residents as the precinct evolves over the coming decades.

Located within Sydney's South West Growth Area, the 440-hectare Leppington Town Centre has been identified by the NSW Government as a strategic centre spanning both the Liverpool and Camden local government areas.

In 2023, Liverpool City Council and Camden Council, supported by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, prepared a draft planning proposal to rezone land and amend development controls across a number of sites within the town centre.

The proposal outlines a new vision for Leppington Town Centre, reducing the amount of land allocated for business park uses while increasing land zoned for commercial development, housing and open space. The changes are designed to optimise land use across the precinct and support the delivery of a more walkable, transit-oriented centre anchored by Leppington Station.

&nbsp;

ALAND plots 1,200-home Leppington masterplan

grant

<html><body>
If you’re a first home buyer at the moment, then you will have noticed the Governments, Federal and State, seem to just want to <a href="/expert-insights/buying/home-building-grant-to-benefit-affordable-areas-and-first-timers">throw money at you </a>to try and help you get into that first home.  You’ve got to love that.  Let’s have a brief look at what the offerings are and how they can assist.

There are essentially four different offers available:

<ol>
<li>First Home Buyer Duty Exemption or Concession</li>
	<li>First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)</li>
	<li>First Home Loan Deposit Scheme</li>
	<li>Homebuilder </li>
</ol>
Please note that I’m looking at this from a Victorian perspective, so things may be different in other states.

The first three apply only to first home buyers, while the fourth is applicable to anyone that meets the criteria.

The <a href="https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/fhbduty">First Home Buyer Duty Exemption or Concession</a> relates to the purchase of either a new or existing property as a first home to owner occupy and live in.  If you qualify for this and the property you purchase has a value of $600,000 or less (technically the ‘<a href="https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/dutiable-value#:~:text=Dutiable%20value%20is%20the%20price,market%20value%20of%20the%20property.">Dutiable Value</a>’ to be $600,000 or less) then you will receive the first home buyer duty exemption, or if the value is between $600,001 to $750,000 you will receive the first home buyer duty concession.  This relates to the stamp duty normally charged on the purchase transaction.  In the case of the exemption, you don’t pay any stamp duty, while in the case of the concession, you pay a reduced rate of the stamp duty.  

The <a href="http://www.firsthome.gov.au/">First Home Buyer Grant </a>is applicable only to new homes.  That is if you are building your own home, or are purchasing a home that is being offered for sale for the first time, as well as <a href="/new-apartments">off the plan </a>purchases.  In this instance, in Victoria, you can receive $10,000 or, if the property is in regional Victoria, $20,000.  The property involved, however, has to be valued at $750,000 or less.

The <a href="https://www.nhfic.gov.au/what-we-do/fhlds/">First Home Loan Deposit Scheme</a> is a little different in that its aimed to reduce the amount of funds contribution required by home loan applicants in order to pass the Bank's credit criteria to obtain the loan. How this works is that the Government pays the Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) premium normally associated with borrowing over 80% of the properties value.  There are still certain criteria applicants must meet, property value again being one of them, but this time it is based on postcode, and the criteria now include your level of income as well.  Not all lenders are participating in this scheme either but if it works for you then you can save several thousand dollars on the LMI premium.  

<a href="https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/homebuilder">Homebuilder</a> is the latest offering from the Federal Government to help the construction industry during the current COVID-19 situation.  This sees a grant of $25,000 available to any eligible applicants ( not restricted to first home buyers ) to go towards either construction of a new home, including off the plan purchasers, or for a significant renovation of an existing home.  Again there are certain criteria applicants must meet, and for now, at least it appears to only be a short term offer.  Any build contract must be signed before the end of the year and construction must commence within three months of the date of the contract. 

In the case of the first three, all the eligibility criteria are determined prior to <a href="/guides">settlement</a> and so the applicable grant amounts can be factored into the equation so that the loan amount applied for is for the correct amount, however, the Homebuilder scheme is proving a bit more problematic in its current form for the Banks.  Only because final eligibility is determined based on if the construction starts within three months of the contract being signed.  Which means that at the time of loan application, we can’t be certain that the $25,000 will actually be received.  This requires that the initial loan applications will need to be assessed for the full amount. 

In addition, you may still be eligible for the FHOG if you or your spouse/partner purchased a property on or after the 1st of July 2000 and have not lived there as your home.

Additionally, to receive the FHOG at least one applicant must:

<ul>
<li>Must occupy the home as their principal place of residence (PPR) for at least 12 months, commencing within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction.</li>
	<li>Be aged 18 or over (discretionary).</li>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.</li>
	<li>In the case of the purchase of a new home - as at the date on which the applicant/s become entitled to possession of the home under the contract, which generally occurs on the date of settlement.</li>
	<li>And finally, in the case of entering into a comprehensive building contract - as at the date on which the building is ready for occupation as a place of residence, which generally occurs when construction of the home is finished.</li>
</ul>
On a final note, trying to make sense of it all can be a little daunting so it is always a good idea to have an in-depth discussion with your lender or broker to make sure you fit the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-time-has-come-for-first-home-owners-to-join-the-property-ladder">eligibility criteria for some, or all of these offers </a>so you can take advantage of them while they are still available.
</body></html>

vivian_48447

How New Government Measures Might Help First Home Buyers Secure a Loan?

<html><body>
With the <a href="/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-australias-25-000-homebuilder-grant-how-much-off-the-plan-homebuyers-could-save">HomeBuilder grant</a> offering eligible Australians $25,000 towards building or renovating their home, many Australians will be engaging with builders - some for the very first time. 

To ensure your project goes as planned, it is critical you work with a <a href="/builders">trustworthy and reputable builder</a>. However, many Australians struggle to know how to separate the good from the bad. 

A history of unscrupulous behaviour 

We’ve all heard of someone who has had a bad experience with a builder or perhaps even had a bad experience with a builder ourselves. The prevalence of dodgy projects and dodgy behaviour by builders is obvious when you examine the statistics. Over the last ten years, new homeowners across the nation have encountered a $10.5 billion bill to fix defects such as leaks, cracks, issues with plumbing, guttering problems and more.

Another serious issue in the building sector is "phoenixing" where a new company is created to continue the operations of a former company which was liquidated to avoid paying debts. In 2017-2018 in NSW, 561 construction businesses were found to have been involved in phoenixing behaviour. Unfortunately, not all phoenixing activity is illegal and until this is stamped out it will continue to leave consumers vulnerable. 

Why the HomeBuilder scheme could make dodgy behaviour worse

The danger is that schemes like HomeBuilder which promise quick cash may incentivise those builders with a history of wrongdoing to continue to perpetuate the same behaviour. Although builders on HomeBuilder projects are required to be licensed or registered prior to the announcement of the scheme this will not fully protect new homeowners against <a href="/news/how-a-proposed-ratings-system-for-builders-could-protect-investors-from-dodgy-developments">dishonest behaviour</a>. 

Another major issue is the length of the scheme. Between the 4th of June and 31st of December 2020, the scheme covers any building contracts entered during that time frame, with construction required to begin within 3 months of the initial contract date. The issue with this is that builders will be incentivised to enter into as many contracts as possible, with chances of taking on an unachievable workload and cutting corners to finish projects. Unfortunately, there are many builders with a great reputation and who consistently deliver high quality builds who will end up being crowded out by those unscrupulous builders. 

How to select a reputable and quality builder 

The good news is that there are countless builders doing the right thing, delivering high-quality projects to budget and to time. Instead of feeling the need and pressure to choose a builder quickly to meet the limited timeframes of the HomeBuilder initiative, consumers should attempt to take the time to do their due diligence to secure a great and trustworthy builder. 

Here are some ways to vet potential builders for your project: 

<ol>
<li>Check the builder is licensed</li>
</ol>
First things first, you should always check that the builder is licensed. In NSW, this is a simple search on the <a href="https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/">Service NSW website</a>. This will weed out any unscrupulous and unlicensed operators. 

Licensed builders are also covered by insurance. In NSW, licensed builders are required to have home building compensation cover for each project over $20,000. This is to protect consumers in the case that the builder can’t finish building work or to fix defects that may arise.

<ol>
<li value="2">Seek out testimonials</li>
</ol>
Ask the builder for testimonials from former clients. If possible, see if you can speak with former clients to get a true picture of what the experience with the builder was like. 

<ol>
<li value="3">Review past projects</li>
</ol>
Have a look at other projects they have completed. Are they high quality? Have there been any defect issues? 

<ol>
<li value="4">Check credit reports and ASIC listings</li>
</ol>
By checking credit reports and <a href="https://asic.gov.au/">ASIC</a> listings, you will be alerted to any debt issues and will uncover any phoenixing behaviour. 

<ol>
<li value="5">Work with a building broker</li>
</ol>
A building broker will undergo a more extensive due diligence process to help you select the right builder. They will have a panel of vetted and accredited builders to choose from and can match you with the right builder for your project. They can also help you avoid any hidden fees or costs and ensure the contract is sound. The service is free for the consumer. 

The last thing consumers need is <a href="/guides/how-to-buy-a-house-in-2021-a-guide-for-first-time-home-buyers">selecting</a> the wrong builder and seeing money and time go down the drain. This can potentially cancel out the financial value of the HomeBuilder grant completely. By doing your due diligence you can make sure you have a trustworthy and quality builder working on your HomeBuilder project and achieve a much better outcome for your building project.
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How to Select a Quality Builder for Your HomeBuilder Project

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It is now almost 15 years since the post-GST first home buyers grant came into existence.
Records show some $8.8 billion has been effectively injected into the market through grant or stamp duty exemption. 
The New South Wales First Home Benefits Top 20 Postcodes by Value report includes <a href="https://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/file_manager/dsg003.pdf" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">all First Home Owner Grant payments</a> made between 1 July 2000 and 30 April 2015. 
No change to <a href="/expert-insights/no-nsw-state-budget-first-home-grant-changes-so-5000-january-2016-reduction-deadline-looms">NSW first home buyer grants in the state budget</a> could intensify activity before the grant's 1 January 2016 reduction.
The grant for buyers of new homes is scheduled to be reduced from $15,000 to $10,000. 
Grants for established home purchases ceased two years ago. 
The recent strength in the Sydney property boom was being especially driven by properties <a href="/expert-insights/less-revenue-growth-ahead-but-nsw-state-budget-benefits-from-7-29-billion-stamp-duty-bonanza">valued over $1.2 million, the NSW State Budget revealed</a>, but the housing boom longevity is not being assumed by the NSW Treasury.
<a href="/images/2015/06/23/700_abs.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/06/23/700_abs.jpg" alt="">
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Liverpool tops the $8.8 billion first time buyer injection

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The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia has criticised the decision by the State Government to axe the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) for established homes in this week's state budget, but welcomed the retention of the stamp duty exemption.  
REIWA president David Airey said being exempt from stamp duty for homes under $430,000 was a huge benefit to all first time buyers. 
However first time homebuyers wanting to buy an established property have lost the $3000 First Home Owners Grant.
It comes after the FHOG was reduced for established buyers from<a href="/news/changes-to-wa-fhogs-take-effect"> $7000 to $3000 in 2013</a>.
The FHOG remains unchanged at $10,000 for those wanting to build their first home.
And stamp duty concessions for first home buyers of both new and established homes remain unchanged in this year’s budget.
Treasure Mike Nahan said the change was in line with the State Government’s policy objective of focusing financial support on residential construction.
But cutting the grant for first time buyers purchasing established homes will be a saving of about $109 million for the State Government over four years.
Mr Airey said the government’s argument that the FHOG policy was geared towards providing more housing was flawed, because Perth was currently oversupplied with dwellings.
“Supply is not the issue in WA, affordability is the issue and making it harder for first home buyers attracted to existing stock makes no sense,” he said.
Western Australia’s 2015-16 budget showed a significant write down in expected revenues again, largely due to the greater than expected fall in iron ore and oil prices.
With the state’s spending outlook little changed from the December MYEFO, larger deficits are now expected in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 years.
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