May 6, 2009
Porter Davis applauds state government boost for new home buyers
Porter Davis commends the Victorian Government on its contribution boost to the
First Home Owners Grant (FHOG).
The announcement takes the FHOG for new homes in Victoria to $18,000 in metro
centres and $22,500 for new homes in regional areas of Victoria, with the Grant
now being available until June 30, 2010.
Porter Davis were present at the Premiers announcement after working closely
with the Victorian Government and Housing Industry Association (HIA) over the
past few months.
Porter Davis Director Anthony Roberts said the boost provided continuity and
certainty for buyers and the industry.
Today is a huge win for first home buyers.
Twelve months ago the industry was facing a 30 percent reduction in size with
fierce unemployment threats.
The stimulus to-date has helped the industry recover and boosted deposit gaps
for home buyers during a period of high lender caution, but we knew more needed
to be done which is why we made the decision to work side-by-side with the HIA
and the Victorian Government to ensure support for first home buyers continued.
The extension of the Grant is welcomed as it provides buyers with certainty to
move forward and allows them the time necessary to conduct research about
designs, locations and finance options.
In addition, it will help bridge the gap in the rental market housing shortage by not
only allowing many more people to move from renting to buying, but also
encouraging a higher number of investors into the market.
Employment and apprentice opportunities will also benefit greatly.
We hope that the federal government will follow in Victorias footsteps.
For more information please contact:
Sarah OBrien
P: (03) 9827 2760 M: 0408 401 502
E: sarah.obrien@squareonepr.com.au