FIRST HOME OWNER

20 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Great Start Grant

In 2012, the Queensland Government increased its grant for first home owners who are buying or building a new home. Previously known as the First Home Owner Construction Grant, those eligible will receive a one-off payment of $15,000. It is available for eligible transactions dated on or after 12 September 2012.

2. What is a new home

A new home is a brand new dwelling that has not been previously occupied as a place of residence or sold as a place of residence. This may include a home that is a substantially renovated home (in certain limited circumstances).
Types of dwellings include houses, units, duplexes, townhouses and granny flats built on a relative’s land.
A new home does not include a relocated home (e.g. buying and relocating old house).

3. What is a substantially renovated home

See substantially renovated homes for information.

4. Can I get the grant if I buy an established home

No. The $15,000 Great Start grant is only available for newly constructed or substantially renovated homes purchased on or after 12 September 2012.

5. I have owned or currently own an investment property. Am I eligible for the grant on a subsequent property

If you held an interest in residential property before 1 July 2000, regardless of how the property was used, you will not be eligible for the grant.

If you have held or currently hold an interest in residential property since 1 July 2000 and the property was or is used solely for investment purposes, you may be eligible for the grant on a subsequent property. You would need to give evidence showing you have not lived in the investment property.

This evidence may include:

• tenancy/lease agreements
• current electricity/phone accounts
• tax return details.

We will review all documentation provided with the application. We will not make a determination without an application and supporting documentation.

6. When do I have to move into my home

You must move into your home within 1 year of the completed eligible transaction and you must live there for at least 6 months continuously in order to keep the grant.

7. What if my circumstances change and I am not able to move into my home, or have to move out before I have lived there for 6 months

You must tell us within 14 days if you are unable to move into your home or have to move out of your home before you have lived there for 6 continuous months. Depending on your circumstances, you may have to pay back the grant because you are no longer eligible.

8. If I am applying with another joint applicant, do we both have to live in the home

Yes. To be eligible for the grant, all applicants must live in the home.

9. Does my partner have to be included on the application

Yes. If you have a spouse, they must be included on the application—either as an applicant or non-applicant spouse.

10. My partner has owned a home before. Am I eligible for the grant

No. If your spouse has previously owned a home they have lived in, you will not be eligible for the grant. If your spouse has owned a home before 1 July 2000, you will not be eligible for the grant.

11. I am not a permanent resident; however, my spouse is an Australian citizen. Does this stop us getting the grant

No. You may still be eligible. Australian citizens, permanent residents, or a joint applicant with an Australian citizen or permanent resident are eligible for the grant, providing other eligibility requirements are met.

12. What is an off-the-plan purchase

An off-the-plan purchase is a single contract to purchase a new home and the relevant interest in the land on a proposed lot on an unregistered plan of subdivision of land. In some cases, the property may not have been built yet. You do not have an off-the-plan transaction if you have signed a vacant land purchase contract and a building contract.

13. Does the Great Start Grant apply to replacement contracts on or after 12 September 2012

No. An applicant is not eligible for the Great Start Grant if a contract replaces another contract that was made before 12 September 2012.

14. What is a ‘finalised’ contract

A finalised contract is an agreement that outlines all of the conditions of the transaction. It must be dated and signed by all parties (vendor and purchaser).

15. What is an eligible transaction

An eligible transaction is one of the following:

• a contract made on or after 12 September 2012 for the purchase of a new home in Queensland (including purchases of substantially renovated and off-the-plan homes)
• a comprehensive home building contract made on or after 12 September 2012 by the owner of the land in Queensland or a person who will, on completion of the contract, be the owner of land in Queensland on which the new home will be built
• the building of a new home in Queensland by the owner–builder where the foundations are laid on or after 12 September 2012.

16. Is the Great Start Grant dependent on the contract date or the settlement date

The relevant date is the contract date.

17. How long will it take for my application to be processed

We will process most applications within 10 working days of receiving all required information. If you apply through an approved bank or lending institution, you will need to check with them how long it will take them to process the application.

18. When will payment be made

See the FAQ When will I get the grant for payment timeframes.

19. What can I do if my application is not approved

If you are dissatisfied with a decision regarding your application for a grant, you may lodge a written objection with the Commissioner of State Revenue. You must state the grounds of your objection in full and lodge the objection within 60 days of receiving notice of the decision.

20. How is the total value of the home calculated

The total value of the home depends on the type of transaction you are entering into.

Type of transaction Total Value

Buying a new home

(includes substantially renovated or off-the-plan homes)

• The purchase price on the contract or
• The market value of the home at the commencement date of the eligible transaction

Contract to build

• The cost of construction under the contract plus
• The value of the land as at the contract date

Owner-builder

• The cost of construction, excluding the owner’s own labour costs plus
• The value of the land on which the home is to be built at the time the foundations are laid