The Government will work with states and territories to extend the deadline to submit supporting documentation for existing HomeBuilder applicants who have been affected by supply constraints and construction industry delays.
Minister for Housing Julie Collins said subject to the agreement of states and territories, this would mean otherwise eligible existing applicants who would miss the former Government's deadline of 30 April 2023 would have until 30 June 2025 to provide supporting documentation to states and territories.
The extension will only apply to existing, already approved HomeBuilder applicants who had received formal approval under the scheme for off-the-plan purchases or renovations.
This will support existing, already approved applicants who had entered into financial commitments on the basis they would receive the grant but through no fault of their own were affected by supply constraints and construction industry delays.
Minister Collins said this will a draw a line under the former Government's mismanaged HomeBuilder program.
Average construction timeframes for off-the-plan units have grown to more than two years.
This has led to lengthy delays, meaning thousands of Homebuilder applicants who had purchased off-the-plan apartments stood to miss out on support they believed they would receive.
Based on the requirements set up by the former Government, these applicants needed to provide title documents to receive the HomeBuilder grant. Title documents are not issued until construction is complete.
"Too many Australians stood to miss out on support they believed they would receive, through no fault of their own," Minister Collins said.
"This decision will not cost the Budget, but it will ease the burden on families right across the country who are relying on this grant."
"A perfect storm has led to a blow out in construction timeframes right across the country," Minister Collins said.
"This perfect storm includes the former Government's mismanagement of HomeBuilder itself.
"The Government is cleaning up this mess and making sure ordinary Australians don't miss out on support they believed they would receive."
Applications for HomeBuilder closed in April 2021. State and territories administer the scheme on behalf of the Commonwealth.
