Doubling of first-home owner grant makes building more accessible for Queenslanders

There is a lot of focus at the moment on the shortage of available housing, which makes it difficult for first-time home buyers to enter the real estate market affordably.

Mortgage broker Jayden Vecchio from Hunter Galloway says first-home buyers face “intense pressure”. 

“Buyers frequently lose out on homes due to multiple offers by a few thousand dollars or even as much as $40,000 to $50,000,” he says.

But the great Australian dream of home ownership is now a little closer for Queenslanders with the announcement in last month’s state budget that the first-home owner grant has doubled from $15,000 to $30,000.

Effective until June 30, 2025, the grant provides a much-needed boost for those buying a brand-new property or building a home for the first time.

This improved grant provides valuable support for first-time home owners in securing their deposit and is designed to encourage an upsurge in housing supply.

“Because the market is highly competitive and people are being priced out, many are pivoting to building their own homes,” Vecchio says. 

The $30,000 first-home owner grant can be used in conjunction with the first-home guarantee for homes up to $700,000, under which the government acts as a guarantor, allowing a deposit as low as five per cent.

“By using the first-home owner grant … you are very close to your five per cent deposit and have a substantial amount of money towards your first home,” Vecchio says. 

Eligibility for the transfer duty first home concession has also been extended to homes with a value up to $800,000, increased from $550,000. First-home buyers will pay no duty on homes valued up to $700,000 and will receive a partial concession up to $800,000.

Meanwhile eligibility for the transfer duty first home vacant land concession has been extended to land with a value up to $500,000, increased from $400,000.

All these measures are driving the popularity of new developments such as South Place in the highly desirable area of Deebing Heights in South East Queensland.

Once complete, South Place will be home to around 900 families and, with land under $300,000 and achievable house and land packages available, it is in hot demand. 

Stage 6 has recently launched, following the significant sales success of the previous stages, which almost sold out before the sales suite was opened. 

“Properties in South East Queensland are in high demand, and South Place’s success is due to its ideal location and high-quality housing solutions,” says Bryan Ba-Pe from its developer, Moremac.

A dream home begins with a great location, and South Place offers easy access to city centres, as well as popular South Ripley, Springfield and beyond.

 “We are only 10 minutes from the Ipswich CBD and 45 minutes from Brisbane city, which is great for many of our buyers who work there,” Ba-Pe says. 

“We have excellent connectivity and accessibility to the Centenary Highway and good transport options.”

One of South Place’s biggest draws is its on-site infrastructure, which is set against the backdrop of nature. 

“Thirty-five per cent of South Place is dedicated to parkland, open green space and nature reserves, with 23 kilometres of cycling and walking trails,” Ba-Pe says. 

“Our community will enjoy key amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields and, in the future, a primary school and neighbourhood civic centre.”

Building a new house means first-home buyers can move into a home that suits their needs perfectly.

“With a shortage of homes to buy, it can make sense to build one to avoid competing with the small number of hotly contested properties on the market,” Vecchio says.

“And when you build, you get the home you want with warranties.”

For first-time home buyers daunted by the idea of building, Ba-Pe says the company offers guidance, flexibility and options. 

“We partner closely with the state’s best builders and provide different lot sizes and options for a wide range of designs that make the buying and building process easier,” he says. 

“Our design guidelines ensure street frontages are cohesive yet flexible enough to allow buyers to create their own identity. 

“We can be the middleman between the builders and residents and provide information and clarity that allow buyers to make informed decisions that give them real ownership of their first home.”

Join the waitlist now!

For first access to new land releases as well as house and land packages at South Place, Deebing Heights.

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