Invest
HomeBuilder scheme FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions around the unveiling of the government’s HomeBuilder scheme.

HomeBuilder scheme FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions around the unveiling of the government’s HomeBuilder scheme.

Am I eligible for the HomeBuilder scheme?
nestegg has provided a comprehensive list of the eligibility criteria that must be fulfilled by Australians wishing to benefit from the scheme here.
Why is the HomeBuilder eligibility criteria so strict?
According to the government, the eligibility criteria, price caps and income brackets are in place to manage demand and support residential construction activity.
What are the price caps associated with the HomeBuilder scheme?
For the construction of a new home, the property value (of the house and land) cannot exceed $750,000.
Where a renovation is being undertaken, the renovation contract must be priced between $150,000 and $750,000, and value of your existing property must not exceed $1.5 million.
Do I need to be a first home buyer to benefit from HomeBuilder?
No, you do not.
How can I access HomeBuilder?
The Australian government has advised contacting your relevant state or territory authority for information on when and how you can apply for HomeBuilder.
Steps still need to be taken for a national partnership agreement to be signed by all states and territories with the Commonwealth, but once this has occurred, states and territories will be able to backdate acceptance of HomeBuilder applications to 4 June 2020.
Can I appeal an unsuccessful HomeBuilder application?
The government has indicated that if you are not happy with the outcome of your application, you can request the matter be referred to the relevant state or territory dispute resolution body.
More information about this will be released in due course.
What documents will I need to apply for HomeBuilder?
Though not an exhaustive list, HomeBuilder applicants will at the very least be expected to supply the state or territory authority with:
- Proof of identity;
- A copy of the contract between the applicant and the builder that is dated and signed;
- A copy of the builder’s registration or licence;
- A copy of the applicant’s 2018-19 or later tax return; and
- Documents including council approvals, building contracts, occupation certificates and evidence of land value
Is there a maximum number of people able to access the HomeBuilder scheme?
No. The government has indicated that HomeBuilder is an uncapped grant, but time restrictions will apply.
What dwelling types are eligible under the scheme?
Houses, apartments, house and land packages and off-the-plan purchases are all eligible under the scheme, so long as they fulfil the requirement that the owner-occupier must contract to either build a new dwelling or substantially renovate an existing owner-occupied dwelling.
When can I receive my HomeBuilder money?
If you are eligible and your application is successful, state and territory authorities will be responsible for providing you with the grant and will be able to provide a timeline.
Can I access the scheme to add a pool or shed on my property?
Unfortunately, no.
The renovation works must be for improvement of a dwelling’s accessibility, safety and liveability. HomeBuilder cannot be used for property additions such as pools, tennis courts, outdoor spas and saunas, sheds or garages that are not connected to the property.
Can I use HomeBuilder to build or renovate an investment property?
No. This falls outside the eligibility criteria.
Can I be an owner-builder or hire a relative to carry out the work under HomeBuilder?
Owner-builders are ineligible for HomeBuilder.
The government has also flagged that any building contracts that are entered into must be “at arm’s length” and not benefit from some sort of special relationship, such as being a relative.
Terms of the contract should be commercially reasonable, and the contract price cannot be inflated compared to fair market price.
Still got a question about the HomeBuilder scheme? We’ll endeavor to find out the answer for you! Get in touch with us here.
Did you enjoy this article? You may also be interested in:
About the author

About the author


Property
10 markets reversing the property trend
Despite strong national growth grabbing headlines, not all suburbs are currently booming, with the pandemic continuing to drag down markets, an industry expert has revealed. ...Read more

Property
More than 1 in 3 home owners want to sell their property as seller confidence rebounds
More than one in three home owners are planning to sell their house over the next five years as Aussies increasingly look to purchase a new home to better meet their future needs, new research has ...Read more

Property
How big is the gender gap in housing?
It would take women an additional 10 months to save for a 20 per cent deposit on the median Australian dwelling value as at January 2021. ...Read more

Property
House price surge to cause ‘social and political problems’: ANZ
Rising house prices spurred on by low interest rates are “raising eyebrows” and could create “real social and political problems”, ANZ’s CEO has warned. ...Read more

Property
How important is a buyer’s agent in a rising market?
In a hotly contested seller’s market, investors are being alerted to the importance of a good buyer’s agent. ...Read more

Property
First home buyers guide: Grants and assistance in each state and territory
The federal and local governments have launched several grants and assistance programs to help their citizens achieve the great Australian dream of owning a home. ...Read more

Property
Transition period announced ahead of tenancy moratorium end
With the end of the moratorium on evictions in sight, the NSW government has announced a new measure aimed to assist the residential tenancy market transition back to pre-COVID conditions. ...Read more

Property
First home buyers brace for strengthening headwinds
While Australian first home buyers dominated the market in 2020, increasing their market share by 50.4 per cent in the past year, they're likely to face strengthening headwinds as prices soar. ...Read more

The continued property boom, ethical investing and engaging with your super fund
Listen now

Property spike, bitcoin rally, Musk’s Twitter power and the super debate
Listen now

Our expert panel addresses top concerns in personal wealth creation
Listen now

Capitalising on the COVID-19 pandemic
Listen now

Property
10 markets reversing the property trend
Despite strong national growth grabbing headlines, not all suburbs are currently booming, with the pandemic continuing to drag down markets, an industry expert has revealed. ...Read more

Property
More than 1 in 3 home owners want to sell their property as seller confidence rebounds
More than one in three home owners are planning to sell their house over the next five years as Aussies increasingly look to purchase a new home to better meet their future needs, new research has ...Read more

Property
How big is the gender gap in housing?
It would take women an additional 10 months to save for a 20 per cent deposit on the median Australian dwelling value as at January 2021. ...Read more

Property
House price surge to cause ‘social and political problems’: ANZ
Rising house prices spurred on by low interest rates are “raising eyebrows” and could create “real social and political problems”, ANZ’s CEO has warned. ...Read more

Property
How important is a buyer’s agent in a rising market?
In a hotly contested seller’s market, investors are being alerted to the importance of a good buyer’s agent. ...Read more

Property
First home buyers guide: Grants and assistance in each state and territory
The federal and local governments have launched several grants and assistance programs to help their citizens achieve the great Australian dream of owning a home. ...Read more

Property
Transition period announced ahead of tenancy moratorium end
With the end of the moratorium on evictions in sight, the NSW government has announced a new measure aimed to assist the residential tenancy market transition back to pre-COVID conditions. ...Read more

Property
First home buyers brace for strengthening headwinds
While Australian first home buyers dominated the market in 2020, increasing their market share by 50.4 per cent in the past year, they're likely to face strengthening headwinds as prices soar. ...Read more