The State Government is taking steps to support first-time home buyers by doubling the First Home Owner Grant as part of a set of measures aimed at reducing the cost of living. Since Monday, 20 November, eligible first-home buyers have had access to $30,000 through the grant.
The funds for this program will be drawn from the progressive Coal Royalties regime, ensuring that coal companies contribute their fair share to first homeowners.
Queensland will now offer the equal highest First Home Owner Grant in Australia, surpassing the grants available in New South Wales and Victoria by triple the amount.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she understood how much the cost of living was impacting Queenslanders, especially first-home buyers.
“We are delivering thousands and thousands of homes as part of our Big Housing Build.
“Our government is committed to easing these pressures by delivering the largest cost of living relief package anywhere in the nation,” she said.
“I want to see home ownership rates continue to rise, which is why our government is stepping up to lend a helping hand.
“The existing first home owner grant has been very successful, which is why our government is doubling the grant program - meaning eligible first home buyers will receive $30,000 cashback.
“I hope this puts the dream of owning a first home within reach of more Queenslanders.
“We can only do this because we’re making sure coal companies pay their fair share.”
It is estimated that this doubling of the grant will support around 12,000 buyers by 30 June 2025, when the boost is set to expire.
Treasurer Cameron Dick highlighted the opportunity presented by the emerging capacity in housing construction to get more Queenslanders into their own homes.
“Queensland’s strong budget position gives us the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions like this, by reinvesting the proceeds from progressive coal royalties,” he said.
Minister for Housing, Leeanne Enoch, said all Queenslanders should have a place to call home.
“Helping first-home buyers is just one of the many ways our government is responding to national housing pressures,” Ms Enoch said.
“We are delivering thousands and thousands of homes as part of our Big Housing Build.
“More than 200,000 forms of housing assistance were provided to Queenslanders last financial year alone.
“We hope this helps put home ownership in reach for young Queenslanders.”
Between July 2015 and April 2023, over 6,849 grants worth $115.3 million were paid to home buyers to assist them in buying their first home in Moreton Bay.
To be eligible for the First Home Owner Grant, buyers must be purchasing or building a new home valued below $750,000, including land and any contract variations.
The grant is available to individuals who are 18 years or older and are purchasing their first residential property in Australia. The home must meet certain criteria, such as not having been lived in or sold as a place of residence at the time of completion.
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