Hundred applications in a month for HomeGrown Territory housing scheme

The government has received 100 applications for its home builders scheme since it launched last month, promising a busy time for the construction industry as trade shortages remain a chronic problem.

The CLP government has received 100 applications to its HomeGrown Territory grant scheme since it launched last month. Picture: Fia Walsh.

The government has received a hundred applications for its home builders scheme since it launched last month, promising a busy time for the construction industry as trade shortages remain a chronic problem in the Northern Territory.

Since the HomeGrown Territory grant applications opened in October, 12 have been paid, 22 approved, 25 are under assessment and 41 are in draft and continue to progress.

Treasury estimates the 12-month program would support up to 650 new home builds, 414 jobs and would increase Gross State Product by $197m.

Abode New Homes has eight new builds in the pipeline for next year, and had seen “a large increase” in inquiries from first and second home buyers.

Abode New Homes manager of new home sales Jacob Gill. Picture: Fia Walsh.

“It’s definitely been hard to keep on top of the inquiries have been coming through fast and hard,” manager of new home sales Jacob Gill said.

“I think HomeGrown is a terrific program is a really good stimulation for anyone that’s looking to get into the market.

“Construction delays have definitely started to pick up and become a lot better, however I think moving forward, as things get a lot busier, it’s going to become hard.

“We do have a trade shortage in the Northern Territory, and it’s going to become more prominent as things get busier.”

The HomeGrown Territory program includes $50,000 for first home buyers to purchase or build a new home, $10,000 to purchase an established home, and $30,000 for non-first home buyers to purchase or build new.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the early success of the scheme was testament to the improved confidence in the economy.

“These grants are the most generous in the country and will ensure we’re able to attract and retain our key workers by supporting them entering the housing market,” she said.

“We’re continuing to market interstate to make sure that particularly first home buyers understand that there is a unique opportunity to start their life here in the Territory.”