Can you use the HomeBuilder grant to build a relocatable home?

Construction is the third largest industry in Australia for the number of people it employs and its share in the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the country. This year, the COVID pandemic has had a major impact on the economic status of Australia and in order to begin recovering, the government has introduced HomeBuilder as a way of rebooting the construction industry after a year of uncertainty.

What is HomeBuilder?

HomeBuilder is a grant that provides eligible owner-occupiers (including first home buyers) with a grant of $25,000 to build a new home or substantially renovate an existing home. A new home is one that has not previously been sold or occupied as a place of residence (e.g. a spec build) and where construction commenced on or after 4 June 2020. Each state has a different set of eligibility and guidelines which can be found here.

HomeBuilder Grant Guidelines in Victoria

There are a number of eligibility criteria that need to be met in order to obtain the HomeBuilder grant in Victoria. These include:

• Applicants must be 18 or over and have an Australian citizenship.

• Individuals must not earn over $125,000 per annum, while couples must not earn over $200,000 per annum combined.

• Eligible homes must be located in Victoria, fixed to your land, be a suitable place of residence and owned by you.

• Construction must not have taken place before 4 June 2020 and a contract must be secured with your builder by 31st December 2020.

To apply for the HomeBuilder grant, there are a number of supporting documents you will need which can be found here. If you want more information, the Australian Government has a fact sheet and frequently asked questions on HomeBuilder on its website.

Can I use the HomeBuilder grant to build a relocatable home in Victoria?

If you meet the applicant eligibility requirements of the HomeBuilder grant, yes, you are allowed to use it to build a relocatable home. This is because Ironbark Cabins relocatable homes can be classified as a Class 1 dwelling.

They are built by a registered builder & comply with Australian Building Code. The relocatable home must be used on a vacant block of land and be the primary place of residence.

You will need to ensure that your relocatable home is not being used as a granny flat, as “standalone granny flats, swimming pools, tennis courts, and structures that are not connected to the property” do not qualify for the grant.

If you’re interested in building a relocatable home in Victoria and want to discuss your eligibility for the HomeBuilder grant, contact us today!