Changes to FHOG begin in WA
Changes to the first home owners grant (FHOG) in Western Australia have come into effect, with the WA government implementing the changes this week.
First home buyers of newly-constructed homes are now eligible to receive an increased grant of $10,000 from the state government – a rise from the $7,000 grant that was available previously.
First home buyers signing a contract to purchase an established home will be eligible for a $3,000 grant.
Treasurer Troy Buswell said the changes would help overall housing supply as well as jobs in the construction sector.
“Increasing the grant for new homes will provide first home buyers with greater incentive to buy or build a new dwelling rather than purchase an established home,” he said.
This will help alleviate the pressure placed on the existing housing stock by the state’s high population growth and [will] drive jobs growth.”
The state government estimated that each year, around 800 first home buyers will switch from purchasing established homes to new homes in response to the changes.