Relief for hundreds of South Australians as home builder grants extended by two years

Government grants worth tens of thousands of dollars for new home builders could be saved after a vital deadline to submit paperwork was extended. Here’s what that could mean for you.

Government grants worth tens of thousands of dollars for new home builders could be saved after a vital deadline to submit paperwork was extended.

Supporting paperwork for grants handed out under the HomeBuilder scheme was due to be handed in by April 30, but the state and federal governments on Thursday agreed to extend the cut-off date by more than two years to June 30, 2025.

It comes after concerns hundreds of applicants would miss Sunday’s deadline due to building industry-wide delays held up documents they required.

The grants for new builds and substantial renovations were launched to boost the building industry during the coronavirus pandemic.

A home under construction in Adelaide's west. Picture: AAP Image / David Mariuz

HomeBuilder grants were worth $25,000 if contracts were signed between June 4, 2020 and December 31, 2020, and worth $15,000 if contracts were singed between January 1, 2021 and March 31, 2021.

More than 1000 South Australian applications were outstanding including 300 for off-the-plan homes, 325 for substantial renovations and 575 new build applications.

An initial proposed extension would have not included applications for new builds.

The extension does not apply to applicants who missed previous deadlines.

Treasurer Stephen Mulligan said the extension would be a relief for “hundreds of South Australians caught up in stressful circumstances, through no fault of their own”.

“While we always supported an extension, we made it clear it should be widened to all applicants at risk of missing out, to ensure an equitable outcome,” Mr Mulligan said.

“I am pleased the Federal Government listened to our concerns and added new

builds to the list, which will potentially double the number of South Australians

impacted by this decision.”

Earlier this year Holly Russell urged governments to extend the HomeBuilder grant deadline for first home buyers facing unprecedented construction delays. Picture: Emma Brasier

But opposition treasury spokesman Matt Cowdrey said announcing the extension two days before the existing deadline was “just cruel.”.

“Stephen Mullighan had to be dragged kicking and screaming to do this at the eleventh hour – after previously saying he was powerless to argue for an extension, and that it would be unfair to do so – making the dream of home ownership a nightmare process for many South Australians,” he said.

Master Builders Association SA said the decision will be well-received by builders and homebuyers alike.

“Weather disruptions and labour and material shortages have caused unprecedented delays,” chief executive Will Frogley said.

“The average build time has increased from nine to more than 12 months.”

In January, The Advertiser reported that hundreds of applicants were at risk of losing eligibility for the grants due to construction delays.

“My building was meant to be built by April last year, so if that was the case then I would have already moved in and I wouldn’t have had to worry about it,” nurse Holly Russell said at the time.

“It’s really unfair.”