How to Use the First Home Owners Grant

To help first home buyers fulfil the dream of one day owning their own homes, Australia introduced the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) to ease the costs associated with buying real estate.

Each state has its own criteria, rules, guidelines and amounts, with some states focusing their funding on certain types of property and its worth your time understanding what your entitled to.

The First Home Owners Grant can be a massive kick start – but how do you use it?Overview of the First Home Owners Grant

To help first home buyers fulfil the dream of one day owning their own homes, Australia introduced the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) to ease the costs associated with buying real estate.

Each state has its own criteria, rules, guidelines and amounts, with some states focusing their funding on certain types of property.

Some states also have a stamp duty concession on top of the FHOG, saving first home buyers more money.

Why Use the Grant?

The costs associated with purchasing your first home can add up to a significant amount.

The grant is free funding – not a short-term loan that you have to pay back to the government.

Some states offer grants of up to $15,000, which will be a considerable help when saving for your home deposit. Home buyers ASAP

Funding is usually paid to you once your property has reached settlement, so it’s a good idea to consider how you will use it before you lodge your application.

Recently, a number of state governments have shifted their focus for the grant to the purchase or construction of brand new homes. This may influence your purchasing decision, so do your research early.

Am I Eligible?

The grant differs from state to state, but basic eligibility criteria remain the same across the country and apply to both you and your spouse or partner entering the property agreement.

How do I use the Grant?

There is usually a capped amount for properties you can apply for. Naturally this can fluctuate substantially across the country, depending on each state’s housing market.

Applications can be made through most financial lenders, however they must be a First Home Owners Grant Approved Agent.

Things You Need to Know When Buying Your First Home

Are you thinking of buying your first home? It’s likely you’re going to have a number of questions on your mind. And as a new entrant to the housing market, it’s natural that you should!

You may wonder what you should look for in a property, which home loan to select and what kind of assistance is available to you, here is some advice to get you started

Do Your Homework

Obtain pre-approved for a loan so you know exactly how much you can spend before you even begin your search.

Having a loan pre-approved means you will be ready to act immediately once you find the right property and there will be less chance of someone else beating you to it. Make sure you have pre-approval in writing from your lender.

You may have fallen in love with a property but be sure to do your research before getting too attached or making an offer. Important factors to consider when determining what you are prepared to pay include the position of the property, the size (how much property are you getting for your money), the condition and if any upgrades are necessary and future capital growth potential.

Protect Yourself

Never buy anything without getting an independent building and pest inspection report done, as well as a strata report if you are buying an apartment. These reports will highlight significant defects or issues relating to the property.

A report will cost a few hundred dollars, however this is money worth spending. You do not want to discover a major structural problem with the property once you move in, which could potentially cost you thousands.

For apartment buyers, doing a strata report is a must and will show you the records of the strata scheme, which can include any special levies proposed in the future that you may be required to contribute to, a history of the building’s maintenance work, as well as the amount of money in the sinking and administration funds.

These are all factors that could have a big impact if you become an owner in the building. There are companies that specialize in compiling strata reports and you will need to pay them a fee or you can opt to search the records yourself. This usually entails making an appointment with the strata manager to view the books.

Never sign anything you do not understand. It is best to have your solicitor or conveyance review the contract before you sign an offer to purchase or exchange. Check the inclusions and exclusions and the length of settlement. If you are unhappy with any of the terms, you may be in a position to negotiate with the seller.

Being Practical

Remember to look at all aspects of the property. It is about balancing the pros and cons as no property will ever be perfect. Try to make educated decisions based predominantly on common sense.

Consider who your neighbors are going to be, parking availability if a car space does not come with the property, any repairs or renovations needed, future development planned for the surrounding area, proximity to amenities like shops and transport, noise pollution from traffic and aircraft and the overall street appeal.

While you may be willing to live with or without some of these things, they could have a big impact on the resale value of the property and will need to be factored into the price you are prepared to pay.