What first homebuyers can get with the First Home Owners Grant

The Queensland Government recently announced it would give first homebuyers an extra $5000 towards the cost of their new home, taking the total of the grant to $20,000.

While $20,000 is a substantial gift to first homebuyers struggling to get a foothold in the ladder, it’s only available to those who purchase a newly constructed home and it’s only available for the next 12 months.

Place agent Michael Stewart said there was already a sense of urgency amongst first homebuyers to get in and do it quickly.

“The impact [of the announcement] has been immediate – I’ve been getting emails all week from people asking about specific properties eligible for the grant,” he said.

Mr Stewart, who sells mainly in the Nundah area, said those who were ready to buy now were sitting waiting for July 1 to tick over.

“Twenty thousand is a lot of money. A lot of young buyers already favoured new property but with this extra $5000 I think we’ll see more lean that way.”

Mr Stewart said when it came to brand new property, first homebuyers would need to be prepared to live further out.

“Generally they’re looking within that seven to 12 kilometre radius for a townhouse, perhaps closer for a small apartment,” he said.

“For a brand new house, they’ll need to go out further again.”

Jose Peralta, agent at Belle Property Carina, said apartments within small boutique complexes were popular with first home buyers who wanted a modern home without high body corporate fees.

One development at Adelaide Street in Carina, in Brisbane’s east, had been designed solely with owner occupiers in mind.

“They don’t want to pay a high body corp and they want a more spacious home that they can be proud of, so they’re willing to come little further out of the city,” Mr Peralta said.

“Predominantly these developments are bought by young professional couples or singles.”

Developer Lex Davies, who sells brand new house and land packages in Brisbane’s northside, said suburbs like Northgate, Everton Hills and Warner all offered fantastic value to first home buyers prepared to live a little further out.

“If you can get a block of land and build a house on it, you’re pretty much set,” he said.

“Often you’ll find the house will be worth more than what you’ve paid for it as soon as you move in. It’s worth moving further out for.”

If you needed any further convincing to apply for the $20,000 grant, Domain has rounded up some of the best brand new properties within reach of first-time buyers.

49 Elizabeth Street, Toowong

Boutique apartments: 49 Elizabeth Street, Toowong.

2 bed, 2 bath, 1 car
$515,000 – $525,000
Contact: Jose Peralta, Belle Property Carina, 0409 745 661

A boutique complex of only eight apartments, Central @Toowong is located within walking distance of some of Toowong’s most popular cafes. Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Toowong Village and the local train station are all only minutes away, while the CBD is only 10 minutes by car. Inside, the apartments feature a spacious open plan living space that leads out to a private balcony overlooking leafy surrounds. Each apartment includes air conditioning, ceiling fans, a secure carpark and intercom security system.

3 and 6/18 Hedley Avenue, Nundah

Great location: 18 Hedley Avenue, Nundah.

2 bed, 2 bath, 1 car
From $469,000
Contact: Michael Stewart, Place Newmarket, 0416 448 213

If a townhouse is more your style, there are only two left in this block of six. Backing onto parkland in Nundah, about 8 kilometres north of the CBD, each townhome consists of two bedrooms and two bathrooms spread over two levels, while the garage, laundry and storage space are on a lower third level. Each property comes with its own balcony, air conditioning, ceiling fans and roller blinds on all windows and glass sliding doors.

The property is a 12-minute walk to Nundah train station and a quick drive to the popular Nundah Village with its cafes and restaurants.

204/23 Abbotsford Road, Bowen Hills

Luxury living: 204/23 Abbotsford Road, Bowen Hills.

1 bed, 1 bath, 1 study
$340,000
Contact: Hannah Bryan, Project Property Sales, 0401 539 928

This north-facing one-bedroom apartment features a study, large open plan living space and oversized windows that capture city views. The complex offers a rooftop sanctuary, lap pool and gym. While the CBD is only two kilometres away, Bowen Hills train station is across the road and transport infrastructure such as the Clem &, Airport Link and Inner City Bypass are all easy accessible.

Lot 4 Camden Street, Heathwood

Good value: Lot 4 Camden Street, Heathwood.

4 bed, 2bath, 2 car
From $521,890
Contact: Ian Davis, OJ Pippin Homes, 0433 110 098

It is possible to buy a brand new house with a first timer’s budget; this four-bedroom lowset could be perfect for buyers who have already started their family. Heathwood is an outer suburb approximately 21 kilometres west of Brisbane and about five minutes drive past Oxley. It has easy access to the Logan and Ipswich Motorways. Set on 450 square metres of land, the house comes fully turfed, fenced, landscaped (including the letterbox and clothes lines) and with ceiling fans and air conditioning to the living area.

Highland Crescent, Belmont

Limited opportunity: Highland Crescent, Belmont.

4 bed, 3 bath, 2 car
$664,750
Contact: Clarendon Homes, 3219 0506

This four-bedroom two-level home is yet to be constructed but will come fully completed, including driveway, under roof alfresco with concrete, floor coverings and a full interior design appointment with the owner’s choice of colours and finishes.

The house will be part of a small new development in a quiet acreage street at Belmont, a south-eastern suburb about 10 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD. Westfield Carindale is a five-minute drive and local schools are minutes away.