After concerns about a lack of builders across the country, the Federal Government has announced an extension to building start dates for the HomeBuilder program
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Previously, successful HomeBuilder applicants had to have their construction started within six months.
The announcement gives home builders an extra 12 months to commence construction from the time of contract - making a total of 18 months.
The extension is applied to all applicants who signed contracts during the HomeBuilder eligibility period between 4 June 2020 and 31 March 2021.
Federal member for Bass Bridget Archer said the extension is a relief to home builders and contractors alike.
"I have spoken to many in the industry over the past few months who have been extremely grateful for the program but raised concerns about the difficulties in starting construction within the original timeline due to high demand on the sector," she said.
"I took these concerns to my colleagues in Canberra, advocating for an extension past the original six months and am thrilled by the announcement which will provide an additional 12 months to commence construction from the time of contract."
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G.J Gardner Homes Launceston managing director Chris Dell said the extension provided business certainty.
"The Federal Government's construction timeframe extension means we, as a business, can now confidently ensure that all our clients will meet the time requirements of the Home Builder Grant; ensuring they will receive the benefits of the grant," he said.
"It will also give all our trades the added benefit of more long term certainty of ongoing work, due to the very high workload being able to be spread over a more manageable timeframe."
More than 121,000 Australians have applied for the grant which is expected to support around $30 billion of residential construction projects.
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