How to escape renting and get into the property market

The recent decline in rental properties has caused many to feel uncertain about their housing situation. Here’s how you can leave renting in the dust and make homeownership a reality.

Dwindling rental supplies in many parts of the country and soaring rental prices have many tenants looking for an escape.

Terms like “housing crisis” are being bandied about, and in many ways, homeownership has never looked more enticing.

The government has brought forward the regional first home buyer guarantee by three months to October 1, meaning regional Australians will soon have additional assistance to buy their first home.

But that doesn’t mean city slickers can’t get in on the action, too.

There are many government schemes designed to help you get into the market – all of which can be used simultaneously, meaning big savings for you!

Low deposit, no LMI schemes (federal government)

The federal government offers a bunch of low-deposit, no lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) schemes through the NHFIC, which can fast-track your home buying process by 4 to 4.5 years on average, because you don’t have to save the standard 20% deposit.

Better yet, not paying LMI can save you anywhere between $4,000 and $35,000, depending on the property price and your deposit amount.

1. First home guarantee: helps up to 35,000 eligible first home buyer applicants this financial year purchase their first home with as little as a 5% deposit.

2. Regional first home buyer guarantee: supports eligible regional Australians to purchase their first home with a deposit of 5%, commencing on 1 October 2022.

3. Family home guarantee: assists eligible single parents to buy a home with a low 2% deposit.

Note that price caps apply to eligible properties and vary according to the application year and property location.

Stamp duty concessions (state government)

Stamp duty: two words that send a shiver down the spine of even the most seasoned property investor.

Fortunately for first home buyers, all state governments, except South Australia, have stamp duty concessions available for eligible applicants.

The Victorian first home buyer duty exemption, concession or reduction (for properties up to $750,000), and the New South Wales (NSW) first home buyer assistance scheme (for properties up to $800,000), help reduce or eliminate stamp duty expenses.

Queensland’s first home concession applies to eligible first home buyers purchasing a property valued under $550,000. Non-first home buyers may be eligible for the home concession.

Western Australia’s (WA) first home owner grant recipients can also apply for first home owner duty concession for eligible properties.

Tasmanian eligible first home buyers can apply for the established homes duty concession to receive a 50% discount on stamp duty for homes valued at $600,000 or less.

Northern Territory (NT) stamp duty concessions are available for eligible applicants buying house and land packages.

The Australian Capital Territory’s (ACT) home buyer income threshold scheme assists eligible parties to avoid or reduce stamp duty, depending on their income.

First home buyer grants (state government)

Most state governments (except the ACT) offer first home owner grants (FHOG) to help you achieve homeownership.

Victoria’s FHOG offers $10,000 towards the purchase of a new home valued at $750,000 and under. As does the NSW FHOG.

WA’s FHOG also offers $10,000 for new homes, with property value thresholds dependent upon location. The NT FHOG also offers $10,000, but with the added bonus of no income or property value thresholds!

Queensland’s FHOG of $15,000 is available for eligible first home buyers purchasing a new home valued below $750,000. SA’s FHOG offers the same, but for property valued at $575,000 and below.

Tasmania’s FHOG packs a wallop, offering up to $30,000 for eligible applicants.

Get in touch

Property prices might be on the decline for a little while yet, but don’t let that deter you from acting now: it’s a buyer’s market.

It’s also important to note that spots for these schemes, such as the federal government’s first home guarantee, are limited and get snapped up quickly.

So if you’d like to make the move from renter to home owner, get in touch with us today and we’ll help you work out your borrowing options, factoring in what schemes you may be eligible for.

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