14 Nov 2014
Thinking about getting a home loan for the first time? You probably want to know what incentives are out there.
In Western Australia, first homebuyers receive up to $10,000 when building or buying a new home valued up to $750,000 (in most areas).Those who purchase established homes receive $3,000.Before September 2013, first homebuyers received $7,000 across the board.So why the change?
Getting a loan to build is encouraged
New first homebuyer grants are meant to improve WA’s economy.How? By boosting the residential construction sector.The state government introduced the grants during WA’s economic downturn.At this time, housing demand had lowered in response to slow population growth.Residential vacancy rates were more than 4% - among the highest in Australia.As a result, property prices in WA stagnated.
The rest of Australia
Not all states followed in WA’s economic footsteps.In Sydney and Melbourne, demand for property still exceeded supply during the 2013 WA downturn.Unlike WA, prices in these 2 states did not stagnate.Today, properties in Sydney are selling faster than any other state.Homes spend an average of 27 days on the market.Units spend an average of 26 days on the market.This contrasts with the past 10 years, when Sydney lagged behind the rest of the country in terms of average price growth.
What does this mean for first homebuyers?
Building or purchasing a new home enables you to take advantage of more incentives.This is true for all states and territories in Australia. For a complete rundown on first homebuyer grants, head here.In the past, only about a quarter of first homebuyers purchased or built a new home.First homebuyers in WA are now choosing to do just that.The state government’s new incentives have a lot to do with this trend.
Capita Finance Solutions assists first homebuyers across Australia with getting a home loan. Speak with a mortgage broker in your area to get started.