New or established, what’s best at the moment (ATM) ?
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to investing in property. What the overall property market’s like, the predicted market trends in the area you’re thinking of investing in, whether the numbers stack up and so on. In Australia, we’ve been mostly lucky that the property market has been a lucrative investment option and one of the most popular ways to create long-term wealth and financial security.
But when it comes to property investment, particularly as a member of the Australian Defence Force, one of the most important decisions you need to make is whether to buy an established property or build a new one. In this blog post we’ll discuss the pros and cons and help you decide what’s best; buying established vs building ATM?
As ex-ADF members ourselves, we’ve been in your boots and will help you make informed decisions so you can choose the best property investment type to suit your circumstances. Our property investment experts at Capital Properties invite you to attend our free Capital Properties Discovery Session to learn more. It might just be the best decision you ever make.
On the go? Here’s 30 seconds of take outs:
- An established property is a house that’s already been built and is ready to live in.
- The pros for buying an established property for investment purposes are: instant income, location & cost efficacy.
- The cons of buying an established property are greater overall upkeep, depreciation of value & limited design input.
- Pros of building a new property for investment are: customisable design, lower maintenance costs & tax benefits.
- The cons of building a new property are: higher initial costs, delayed income & uncertain market conditions.
Keep reading >>
What’s an established property?
When we talk about an established property, we mean a property that’s already been built and is ready to live in. That might be an older home that requires some renovation, or a newer house that might need some superficial repairs. There are pros and cons to purchasing an established property for investment purposes.
Pros of buying an established property for investment
The goal for property investors is to purchase a property that will deliver a strong rental income while the property appreciates in value over time to deliver capital gains. In many ways, an established property can deliver on these objectives. Let’s take a look at the pros of buying an established property for investment.
Instant income
For the most part, an established property is ready for occupancy within a short amount of time. Even if renovations or repairs are required, there’s far more surety around the timelines of having that work done and finished. That means you can get a tenant into the property asap and start generating rental income almost immediately.
– Location
Choosing the right location to invest in is always one of the biggest considerations for successful property investment. Buying an established property means that you’re usually looking in a well-established area. We know that renters look for neighbourhoods that offer amenities such as schools, retail and entertainment facilities, parks, and public transport. We discussed the trend towards lifestyle culture in the blog post “The big shift in Australian demographics”.
That means that buying in an area that offers this lifestyle will attract reliable rental income and capital growth over the long term.
– Cost effective
Older properties in an established location are often priced lower than newer properties in the same location due to their age and condition. That’s assuming the property doesn’t need substantial renovation and you can move the tenant in quickly. And, of course, that it still appeals to the type of tenants you’re hoping to attract.
Cons of buying an established property
As with all decisions, it’s important to consider all sides of the story. Here’s some of the cons of buying an established property for investment.
– Greater upkeep
With an older property, there’s always going to be more maintenance and repairs required than in a new property. That means you’ll have to spend more money on renovations, as well as deal with the hassle having to organise the work and/or negotiate what needs to be done with the Property Manager.
As ADF members, we know that added hassle is the last thing you need. Repairs and miscellaneous costs can also eat into your rental income and reduce your profit margins.
– Depreciation of value
To calculate depreciation, we divide the value of the property by its useful life which is 27.5 years for residential rental properties. The resulting amount is then subtracted from the net income that the property generates. So, the older the property is, the less it’s worth in terms of depreciation.
This means that you may not be able to claim as much depreciation on an established property as you would on a new property.
– Limited design input
Purchasing an established property means that you’ll have limited opportunities to customise. If you want to make any significant changes, such as adding an additional room or changing the layout, you will most likely have to apply for council approval. This can be a time-consuming, costly, and often frustrating process.
Pros of building a NEW property for investment
When tackling the question ‘buying established vs building ATM?’, we need to examine the pros and cons of building a new property for investment purposes. In recent years, building a new property is becoming increasingly popular with property investors who are looking for more control over their investment.
– Customised design
One of the biggest advantages of building a new property is the ability to customise the property to meet the needs of your tenants and therefore maximise your rental income. You can utilise the latest design trends and advanced technology that makes running costs less expensive and add great long-term value. Features like new appliances, solar panels, security systems, electric vehicle charging etc make your property more attractive to potential tenants. Which in turn means a higher rental yield.
– Lower maintenance costs
When a new build is completed and building handover inspection documents are exchanged, you can be pretty sure that there’s unlikely to be any major maintenance issues with the property. We’ve written about the process of handover in the blog post “Crumbs! My property is close to handover. What’s next?”. However, it’s nice to know that even if something does crop up, it’s more than likely going to be covered under your builder’s warranty.
During the handover you’ll be able to clarify what the maintenance and warranty periods are. We’ve explained these in the post “What to expect during the maintenance and warranty period of your new build investment property.”
Having these in place means that you can save money on upkeep and repairs, which will improve your profit margins.
– Tax benefits
Building a new property in some states means you might only have to pay stamp duty on the land and not on the house itself.
Also, when you build a new property, you can claim depreciation on the building over 40 years (that’s how long the ATO says a building will last before it needs replacing). For example, if it costs $250,000 to build your new build you could claim $6,250 (= 2.5% per year).
Plus, you can claim a tax deduction on all the fixtures, fittings and furnishings over 5-10 years. Which means you’re far more likely to be able to claim a greater tax deduction on a new property than you would on an established property. And who doesn’t love money back from the tax man?
Cons of building a new property for investment
Although it’s hard to see past the upsides of building a new property, there are of course some considerations that need to be made prior to investing. Here are some of the cons of building a new property for investment.
– High initial costs
Building a new property can be a blow to the wallet, so investors need to be sure they have the capital available to fund the cost of the land and build. Always leaving something in the kitty to cover unexpected material or labour costs.
It would be remiss of us however if we didn’t squeeze another ‘pro’ in here and mention that there are various grants available to first home buyers who are buying or building a brand-new home. We’ve discussed these in the blog post “Buying a house while in the Australian Defence Force”.
– Delayed income
Building a new property can take an extended period of time. Starting with finding the piece of land, finding the right builder, securing permits, designing the building and actual construction. We’ve written about the process before in this post “Yay. My property settled. Now what?”
It’s also not unusual to experience unforeseen delays. Although if you’re well-organised and work with the right people you can manage these better. Our post “Why use a building inspector when constructing” will point you in the right direction.
– Uncertain market conditions
With a new build, you may not have the desirable infrastructure that appeals to renters as you would with an existing home in an established suburb. Plus, in any market, property values can fluctuate. So, there’s always a risk that the value of the new property may not increase as expected, which can impact the long-term profitability of the investment.
That’s why it’s vital to work with experts like Capital Properties to determine when and where is the right time to build an investment property.
Still wondering if you should be buying established vs building ATM? We recommend talking to the property investment experts at Capital Properties to help you decipher what’s best for your circumstances.
Take the next step and get in touch now. Or book our FREE Discovery Session to help you gain knowledge and confidence about how investing in property will help you achieve your goals. While you’re here, check out our FREE investor tools:
Take a look at our Switched-on Property Investors Program and our free online property investment toolkit
Invest to build wealth – a proven post Defence Force investment strategy
The team at Capital Properties have seen what it’s like when people leave the Defence Force without a retirement strategy. Suddenly your ADF cover stops, along with the death and invalidity benefits – as it’s designed only for serving members of the ADF. And transitioning from a military role to a civilian role can be difficult, leaving some people in a real financial crisis. That’s why a post-Defence Force property strategy is essential.
And that’s also why our mission is to help you make the most of your current position in the ADF and start now to build wealth for future financial security.
During our FREE Capital Properties Discovery Session we’ll help you get on top of your financial literacy and help you formulate a plan to start now to ensure your future is bright. You’ll gain access to our Property Investment Specialists who’ll share their extensive knowledge as well as our Capital Property Investment Tools & Apps.
Plus, with our Capital Properties Pinnacle Support Program you’ll be supported with ongoing expert guidance and advice.
On the go? Here’s 30 seconds of take outs:
- A post-Defence Force property strategy is essential.
- The sooner you start, the brighter your future will be.
- Property investment is a good wealth-building strategy for:
– Capital growth
– Cash flow generation
– Tax benefits
– Inflation hedge
- As an ADF member you’re entitled to rental assistance, tax benefits & home-buying incentives.
- You can also use your property as your principal place of residence (PPR) for main residence exemption on capital gains tax when you sell.
Keep reading >>
Why property investment?
The best investment strategies for ADF members in Australia will ultimately depend on individual circumstances. At Capital Properties we work with you to identify your financial goals and risk tolerances so we can develop a plan that’s tailored to your needs.
In our experience, we’ve found property investment to be one of the best/if not THE BEST investment strategy for building wealth. Property investment is usually far less volatile than shares or other investments. Even after a global pandemic, here in Australia our property market is making a strong recovery.
The recent CoreLogic Monthly Housing report (Feb 2023) shows that national home values are still higher than this same period last year, and “would need to decline a further 13% to reach March 2020 levels”. As well as that, the Australian gross rental yields rose to 3.9%, up from 3.21% a year earlier, making it the highest rent yield since November 2019.
So, let’s take a closer look at why property investment is a good wealth-building strategy and why you need a post Defence Force property strategy.
– Capital Growth
Property investment can be a wise investment for several reasons. Here in Australia there’s excellent potential for long-term capital appreciation as properties tend to appreciate/accumulate over time. That’s especially achievable if you know when and where to buy and are skilled enough to invest in desirable areas during times of economic growth.
– Cash flow generation
Good property investments will generate regular income in the form of rent. This provides a steady stream of cash flow that can be used to cover any expenses associated with the property, pay down the debt and/or reinvest in additional properties.
– Tax benefits
Property investment can offer a multitude of tax benefits, including deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, and depreciation over time.
– Inflation hedge
Property investments can provide protection against inflation by providing rental income that also increases with inflation. And the property value is likely to increase as prices rise. This is an especially important piece of the post Defence Force property strategy.
Risks with property investment
As with any investment, there are risks involved. Property investment is vulnerable to economic circumstance, changes in government regulations or natural disasters. That means that property values can fluctuate, and there may be periods where it’s difficult to find tenants for your rental property. However, with careful planning and research, property investment has proven to be a sound financial decision for ADF members.
What makes property investment so attractive for ADF members?
The short answer is rental assistance, tax benefits and home-buying incentives!
As a member of the ADF, you’ll be able access rental assistance that can cover a significant portion of your rent. Which in most cases makes it possible to put some of your income towards building a property portfolio.
Additionally, there are tax benefits associated with property investment, including deductions for expenses such as repairs, maintenance, and interest payments on your mortgage. And finally, there are some awesome home-buying incentives for ADF members.
Why rental assistance can give you a head start in property investment
ADF rental allowance (RA) subsidises the cost of renting for eligible ADF members. You can check eligibility here. Once approved, the RA will be paid directly into your pay. You’ll need to renew the RA agreement each year and update any changes to your personal circumstances or operational activity and apply for any reimbursements.
Because your rent is subsidised, you should be able to save more from your fortnightly pay. We’ve found that for most ASF members, it’s achievable to save 20% of your income towards financing your property investment(s). If you start now and funnell that 20% into investment property, we promise you’ll thank yourself further down the track.
Property investment tax breaks
We’ve written in depth about the tax breaks you can take advantage of whilst in the ADF in this post about “Tax minimisation strategies”. Put simply, you can claim back on:
- Interest paid on your property investment loan
- Managing Agent fees
- Water & council rates
- Building & landlord insurances
- Bank fees & disbursement set up costs
- Depreciation
ADF home loan incentives & home loan grants
As an ADF member, you’re also likely to be entitled to some great deals on home loans and government grants. Again, we’ve covered these in greater detail in this post “Australian Defence Force Home Loans.”
They key thing to consider is that most of these incentives are only accessible if you’re an active ADF member. So what happens when you retire/leave the ADF?
What’s your post Defence Force property strategy?
Have you thought about what happens once your rental assistance ends and you’re no longer eligible for grants and incentives? Depending on your circumstances, you may find that you no longer have the same level of disposable income that you had while receiving rental assistance. At this point, it’s worth reviewing your assets to see how they can be used to help you achieve your financial goals.
Your investment property can be more than just an investment
One option is to consider using your property as your principal place of residence (PPR). This can provide several benefits, including the ability to take advantage of the main residence exemption on capital gains tax when you eventually sell the property. Additionally, owning your own home can provide a sense of security and stability, especially if you’re transitioning out of the ADF and into civilian life.
Of course, the decision to use your property as your PPR will depend on a range of factors, including your financial goals, your lifestyle preferences, and your long-term plans.
The property investment experts at Capital Properties can help you weigh the pros and cons of this option and determine the best course of action for your individual circumstances.
Now’s the time to consider your post Defence Force property strategy
There’s little doubt that investing in property while serving in the ADF can be a smart financial move, especially if you take advantage of rental assistance, tax benefits and home loan incentives/grants. And it’s especially important to consider how the decisions you make now will support your future lifestyle.
Once your rental assistance ends, it’s worth considering how your assets can be used to help you achieve your financial goals, including the possibility of using your property as your PPR.
With careful planning and the right advice, property investment can help you build wealth and secure your financial future. Our Capital Properties Switched-On Strategy Series and Capital Properties Pinnacle Support Program will make sure you become a switched-on property investor.
In this article, the Capital Properties experts look at the ins and outs of industrial property investment, to help you determine if it’s a good choice for you. We’ll explain how industrial property investment can provide a positive cash flow and has the potential for impressive long-term returns. However, as with all investments, it’s important to do your homework before you dive in.
Industrial commercial property investment is a complex market with many differences to residential investments. Investors must understand varied property management options, leasing arrangements and financing obligations.
The Capital Properties team has extensive experience in residential and industrial property investment. We are dedicated to educating, mentoring and guiding Australian Defence Force members through successful property investment. We provide numerous tools and resources, with updated blog posts covering topics such as ‘buying a house while in the defence force’, and ‘the types of home loans available to those in the ADF’, to make sure you are empowered in your investment decisions.
So, let’s look at industrial property investment more closely, and where better to start than with the basics: What is industrial property?
There are a variety of factors to consider when investing in industrial property. If you want in-depth, personalised recommendations, we recommend that you book a free discovery session with Capital Properties today.
On the go? Here’s 30 seconds of take outs:
- Industrial property is a type of commercial property that is not usually considered as public facing, e.g., factories & warehouses.
- Post-pandemic uses of industrial properties are expanding to include “dark stores” & micro fulfilment centres for online retail & new entrepreneurial businesses.
- The demand for industrial property spaces is higher than ever and continued growth is forecast.
- Industrial properties offer double the rental yield of residential properties with great capital growth potential.
- Expect longer lease periods, annual rent increases and a wide range of purchase price points.
- Capital Properties buyer’s agent service specialises in sourcing industrial properties for investment.
Keep reading >>
You probably already have an idea of what industrial property is, and it may be quite accurate, although if you were asked to define it, you might find it a little trickier.
Industrial property has traditionally been defined as a type of commercial property that is generally not public-facing. To date this has included operations like factories, warehouses, and storage centres, etc. While this definition has been historically true for the most part, with the recent rise in the industrial-chic style and the popularisation of converting industrial property into hip bars and restaurants, the definition of industrial property and what it means to be an industrial property investor is changing.
Some industrial property investors might feel that expanding the use for these industrial properties might complicate the investment process. But at Capital Properties, we strongly disagree. Now that industrial property isn’t limited to its original purpose, the possibilities have expanded greatly. That warehouse can be a block of refurbished loft-style apartments, that old factory can be a trendy new distillery – the potential is endless.
From an initial investment point of view however, the closer we can design a building to serve its intended purpose, the better. It will save time and money on set-up costs and give you and your renters clarity on its use. Still, it’s good to know you’re not limited to just a few ideas.
How is the industrial property investment market performing right now?
The aftermath of Covid-19 has significantly affected the Australian economy and both the residential and commercial property market. We’ve seen a holding pattern in some urban retail and office spaces, but industrial warehousing space is in higher demand than ever. In 2021, almost 5 million square metres(sqm) of industrial and logistics space was leased in Australia, a whopping 80% increase on the 10-year average.
In fact, industrial property investment has become one of the most sought-after asset classes by investors. The surge in online shopping has created a new demand for “dark stores” and micro fulfilment centres, i.e., warehouse spaces to store inventory and act as a retail distribution centre that caters exclusively for online retail. CBRE recently forecast of $1billion of ecommerce in the next 4 years, fuelling the requirement for an extra 70,000sqm of industrial space by 2025.
And the rise of enthusiastic entrepreneurs means that new business activity is booming, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing 365,000 new businesses trading in 2020-21, an 8.6% rise on the previous year. As well as the online space, there’s an increased trend towards using industrial spaces for microbreweries, gyms, recreational facilities, showrooms etc.
Is Industrial Property a Good Investment?
Yes! We can unequivocally say that industrial property is a good investment. Industrial property generally offers yields of about 8%, compared to 4% for residential property.
Another thing to note is that during the pandemic, logistics and warehouse businesses were labelled as essential services. This means when other industries were slowing down, industrial property kept on ticking and kept on returning on investment. Investing in industrial property ensures you have secure income for trying times if anything like that happens again.
Still need to be convinced? Here are 8 more reasons that explain why industrial property is a good investment.
- Industrial property generally has a higher return than other commercial or residential properties.
- There is growing tenant demand for industrial properties.
- Small site coverage ratios (meaning they are usually reasonably priced).
- Projected capital appreciation for the foreseeable future.
- Longer lease periods than residential (generally at least three years, often more).
- Rent is usually increased each year.
- Tenants usually pay outgoings (council rates, insurance and land tax, maintenance, etc.).
- Wide range of price points – lots of great entry-level options such as car parks.
Based on the evidence above, we hope we’ve convinced you that industrial property is a good investment! So now, let’s look at how to buy industrial property.
How to buy industrial property
If you want a hassle-free way of buying industrial property, then why not use our Buyer’s Agent Service? Our experts at Capital Properties will take care of all the hard work for you and make sure you get the best deal.
If you’d prefer to look into buying industrial property yourself, check out our top 10 tips to help you buy your first investment property:
- Research thoroughly before buying your property.
- Choosing the right location is vital.
- Work out your budget, including projected expenses & profit.
- Refrain from making emotionally charged decisions or let our expert Buyer’s Agent Service team negotiate for you.
- Prepare thoroughly for negotiations; don’t be scared to ask for what you want.
- Choose investment partners wisely & clearly assign duties & tasks.
- Be finance-ready – seeking pre-approval for a loan is free, easy, & will save you money.
- Check the condition of the property & don’t over-capitalise on improvements.
- Make sure you have time to invest in your property or hire an expert to help.
- Stay updated on property maintenance & regulations.
How to Find Industrial Property for Sale
The most common way people search for industrial property is by looking at property aggregators such as realcommercial or commercialrealestate, or looking at their local real estate agent’s commercial listings. Although, that will give you a good overview of what’s happening in the market, people often discover that the most desirable industrial spaces are sold before they make it online for public viewing. That’s why it pays to have relationships in the industry.
The Capital Properties buyer’s agent service specialises in sourcing all types of property options, including industrial properties. We live and breathe the ins and outs of industrial property investment.
Not only do we hear about available properties first, but we’ll also evaluate the potential return on industrial and commercial properties. We examine the potential to add value with subdivisions and renovations and support you throughout the full property investment experience. During the Capital Properties free discovery session, we’ll get to know you and devise a plan that’s suitable for your circumstances. Our aim is to help you turn your disposable Defence income into the kind of financial freedom your parents and grandparents will want to brag about!
We understand the unique demands of Defence life. We’re an approachable bunch of energetic, knowledgeable property investment experts with ex-Defence personnel within our ranks. In fact, our Founder, Marcus Westnedge, started right where you are now.
So, if you’re looking to start investing in industrial property, contact us today.
As Australia’s Leading Defence Force Housing & Property Investment Specialists, Capital Properties’ mission is to help you turn your Defence income into financial freedom.
Book a free Discovery Session today and let’s get started.
Why choose an interest-only loan?
In the past, one of the best features of an interest-only loan was that it gave first home buyers the ability to start sooner and get a foot on the housing ladder. That’s because it allowed first-time buyers an increased opportunity to purchase without being under the pump to make the full P&I repayments. However, it has become increasingly more difficult for first-time buyers to secure an I-O loan, unless there are extenuating circumstances, e.g. they can prove that the property will be turned into an investment property in the near future. Because an interest-only period lowers the repayments it’s a good way to ease into a first investment.
Interest-only loans offer greater flexibility
Interest-only loans can also assist when homeowners go through job losses or other financial situations where income is reduced. For example, when a partner is on unpaid maternity leave. Changing to I-O helps help ease financial pressure during this period of reduced income.
Which loan will suit YOU best?
Now that we’ve clarified the difference between P&I and I-O loans, your next question is most likely going to be; “What’s best for me?”. Our answer is always; “What are your goals?”
Your goal might be to build-up assets over a period of time with the aim of producing income for you in retirement. Or you may want to pay down your investment property as quickly as you can? For example, a younger person may be in a good situation to invest for growth, whereas someone closer to retirement age might want additional cash flow to supplement their retirement. Our advice will be quite different in each of these circumstances. That’s why we take the time to look at where you’re situated on life’s timeline and work with you to clarify your goals.
We’ll also consider external factors such as:
Historically low interest rates
In our lifetime there may not be another time when the cost of money was so cheap to borrow. That seems like good news, right? On the flipside, the cost of real estate has never been more expensive. So, one might question if it’s a great time to invest, or if there’s never been a better time to reduce debt? The difference is perspective. We’ve discussed a similar concept before here.
Fixed interest rates versus variable
Generally, a fixed loan will offer a more discounted rate than a variable-interest rate loan. But a spilt loan, where you nominate a portion of the loan to have a fixed rate and the remainder to have a variable interest rate, can also be a good option to maintain an offset*. That’s because fixed rate loans don’t come with the ability to set up an offset account.
For example: On a $400,000 loan with a $300,000 fixed portion and a $100,000 variable portion, the variable portion of the loan can be utilised as an offset.
Property investor strategies
Although interest-only loans can seem very attractive, they don’t come without some risk. That’s why at Capital Properties we work with you to develop investment strategies to mitigate these risks and achieve the best-possible outcome from your investment. We’re big on strategies, so to get you started, consider this simple checklist:
Plan
Be a planner. If you’re finding that you can manage the I-O loan easily, then it’s worth starting to build up the offset. *An offset is a savings bank account that’s offset against, or linked to, the loan account. Any funds sitting in the savings account will help to reduce the overall amount owing, thus reducing the interest payable. A redraw works in a similar way but with funds being paid directly to into the loan but can be accessed (“redrawn”) if required.
This offset is what investors call a “buffer”. This buffer means that you’ll have funds that the loan can draw on so you can rest easy knowing that you’ll always have enough funds to pay the loan repayments.
Pay down
Whilst interest rates are low, an investor should be able to afford to reduce the principal of the loan. After all, you’ll need to reduce the debt eventually and in this case it’s better to do so sooner rather than later.
Equity
The equity in your property is the difference between the property value or present value of your property and the amount of debt owing on the property. If your loan remains on interest-only and your property doesn’t grow in value, you may end up without any equity in the property, which is far from ideal. This is a very good reason to build an offset or redraw.
Capital Properties covers all of this, and more, in greater detail in our “7 Step property investment process.”
In fact, we offer a thorough support system, helping you to negotiate the entire investment process, with our free Discovery and Strategy sessions. Our First Home Buyer Pack, including a copy of my book Property Investment SOP is essential reading for all first home buyers and property investors.
Let us help you on your way. Get in touch now.
Guest Blogger: Brian Beck | Mortgage and Financial Consultant
[email protected] | www.quickselect.com.au
You’d need to have been living under a rock if you haven’t already heard about the new HomeBuilder Grant introduced on the 18th of June 2020 – was reduced to from $25,000 to $15,000 on the 1st of January 2021.
It’s the Governments’ fundamental response to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on the Australian economy. And they’ve made the package very attractive to Defence Force Members.
On the go? Here’s 30 seconds of take outs:
- The HomeBuilder Grant provides $15,000 to eligible applicants to help build a new home or complete substantial renovations.
- You’ll be eligible if you’re an owner-occupier, you meet an income-criteria and are spending more than $150,000. This also assumes the cost of the new home is under $750,000 or the value of the existing home is not exceeding $1.5 million.
- The grant is available for first-home buyers (even with the first home buyer grant) and existing home owners.
- Defence members based in NSW and VIC can apply for the HomeBuilder Grant as an investment opportunity.
Keep reading >>
What is HomeBuilder?
HomeBuilder is an Australian Government grant package intended to increase activity in the residential construction sector and therefore boost the economy during the COVID-19 economic crisis. It will provide eligible applicants with a $15,000 grant to help build a new home or complete substantial renovations in an existing home.
Eligible applicants can apply for HomeBuilder when the relevant State or Territory Government that you live in, or plan to live in, signs the National Partnership Agreement with the Commonwealth Government.
Stay updated about what this means for the construction industry.
Relevant Government Bodies
All Australian states and territories are currently developing an online portal that will allow you to lodge an application for the HomeBuilder Grant. It will be available shortly, but in the meantime you can access the appropriate HomeBuilder Grant guidelines for your state or territory to check your eligibility and learn what supporting documents you’ll need to prepare for your application:
ACT Revenue Office https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/covid-19-assistance/homebuilder-grant
Revenue NSW https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/news-media-releases/covid-19-tax-relief-measures/homebuilder-program
Territory Revenue Office https://treasury.nt.gov.au/dtf/territory-revenue-office/homebuilder-grant
Queensland State Revenue https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/financial-help-concessions/homebuilder
Revenue SA https://www.firsthome.gov.au/homebuilder/sa/
State Revenue Office of Tasmania https://www.sro.tas.gov.au/about-us/covid-19
Western Australia Department of Finance https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/building-bonus-grant-and-homebuilder-grant-application-form
State Revenue Office Victoria https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/homebuilder-grant-guidelines
What this means for Defence Force Members
According to Revenue NSW and similarly Revenue VIC the Defence Force Residence Exemption was announced and states that “where an applicant was a member of the permanent forces of the Australian Defence Force and the applicant was enrolled on the NSW electoral roll at the date of the eligible HomeBuilder contract, then the applicant is exempt from the residence requirement”. Great news!
It essentially means that a Defence member based in NSW and VIC can apply for the HomeBuilder Grant as an investment opportunity. Even if they’ve used the First Home-Owner Grant (FHOG).
Funding, financing and the HomeBuilder grant
The great thing is that the HomeBuilder grant can be used in conjunction with the current FHOG. So you can effectively double tap your grants! For example, right now in Queensland you can use the $15,000 FHOG plus the $15,000 HomeBuilder grant as well as Stamp Duty exemption! All of this adds up to great addition to your deposit and buffer!
The HomeBuilder Grant cannot be used as funds to complete* the purchase of the property but, at the time this blog was being written, some banks will let you use the FHOG as funds to complete*. It means you’ll need to show the banks genuine savings and proof of funds which can include the FHOG.
*Funds to complete: Means the proof of funds required to complete the purchase, including:
- A deposit (e.g. 5%, 10% or 20%)
- Stamp duty, land tax payable on the purchase; and
- Fees payable to the Land Registry to register the transfer of the property to you, as well as any mortgage; fees and disbursements
- First Home-Owners Grant (If eligible, this depends upon the bank’s lending policy)
What types of properties are eligible?
All property types are eligible for the scheme. This includes houses, apartments, house and land packages and off-the-plan purchases. All are fair game as long as the owner-occupier is building a new home or significantly renovating an existing home.
- “a comprehensive home building contract to build a new home as your principal place of residence where the value of the house and land does not exceed $750 000 (inclusive of GST);
- a contract with a registered builder to substantially renovate your principal place of residence where the renovation contract is between $150 000 and $750 000 (inclusive of GST), and where the value of your existing house and land does not exceed $1.5 million;
- a contract to buy an off the plan/new home as your principal place of residence where construction had not commenced prior to 4 June 2020, where the value of the house and land does not exceed $750 000 (inclusive of GST).”
Do you need to be a first-home buyer?
No. The HomeBuilder Grant is available for both first-home buyers and existing homeowner-occupiers. Although it’s obviously a huge advantage for first-home buyers who can also access the FHOG.
The only criteria are that; you’re Australian, older than 18 years of age and earning at least $125,000 PA as an individual or $200,000 PA per couple. You must use the grant to spend more than $150,000 on purchasing the home, or on renovations. The cost of the new home must be under $750,000 or the value of the existing home cannot be more than $1.5 million.
Executive Manager of Economic Research Cameron Kusher says “The HomeBuilder Scheme is set to primarily benefit first-home buyers wanting to build a new home as it will be offered in addition to the current state and federal first-home buyer grants and exemptions”.
Are you interested in the HomeBuilder Grant but need help to make it happen?
At Capital Properties, our team is dedicated to educating, mentoring and guiding you through successful property investment. We can help you choose the right block of land and provide you with all the information you need to purchase in the best location. We can also help you with a new build consultative service for owner occupiers and investors. This ensures you get the ultimate house design on an ideal block.
We know consistency is vital, so one of our team members will remain your point of contact throughout the build process to make sure everything goes to plan.
Sounds interesting right?
Where to start? We can assist with builds in Wollongong, Western Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Port Macquarie, Northern Rivers, Goulburn, The Mid to Far North NSW Coast and many other areas.
We’ll help get you on your way with a free Capital Properties discovery session. And if you’re already onboard, our Pinnacle Support Program will support you in finding out more.
While you’re here, check out our free investor tools: Online property investment toolkit | Book Your Pinnacle Program Review | Property Investor – Self Evaluation Tool
| At Capital Properties, we help Australian Defence Force members to leverage their busy schedules and build knowledge and confidence to buy property effectively, either to live in or invest. We do this through providing ongoing support through the entire buying process. The scope of our reach is Australia wide. Together we work towards financial independence to leave a multi-generational legacy. |
