Using the First Home Owners Grant to Help Build a Granny Flat...
April 9, 2024
Relief for First Home Buyers
In the realm of real estate, navigating the path to homeownership can be a daunting journey, especially for first-time buyers. However, amidst the challenges lies a beacon of hope in the form of the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG). This government initiative offers financial assistance to eligible individuals or families embarking on the exciting journey of acquiring their first home. But did you know that this grant can extend beyond traditional home purchases to include granny flat
builds?
The FHOG has undergone recent updates, making it an even more enticing option for prospective homeowners. For contracts signed between November 20, 2023, and June 30, 2025, the grant amount stands at a generous $30,000. This significant boost in financial aid opens up new possibilities for aspiring homeowners, whether they choose to buy or build their dream abode.
When it comes to granny flat builds, the FHOG offers a unique opportunity for multi-generational living arrangements. This alternative housing solution not only provides independence for younger family members but also enhances the value of the parent's property. For parents with children eager to step onto the property ladder amidst the soaring costs of homeownership, a granny flat build presents an ideal compromise.
However, before diving headfirst into the granny flat construction, there are crucial considerations to ponder. One must address the intricacies of property ownership and the division of financial responsibilities. With the land title remaining in the name of the original owner, clear communication and mutual understanding are essential to avoid future conflicts.
Questions regarding financial arrangements, such as reimbursement in the event of property sale or the possibility of renting out the granny flat, must be addressed upfront. Moreover, contingencies for scenarios like the party building the granny flat desires to relocate or the homeowner's willingness to buy out the granny flat must be outlined to prevent any strain on relationships down the road.
Navigating the landscape of granny flat builds under the FHOG requires meticulous planning and open dialogue. While this option may not suit every situation, it presents a viable solution for families seeking both financial assistance and innovative housing arrangements.
Exploring options like the FHOG opens doors to a myriad of homeownership opportunities, including the construction of granny flats. By leveraging this grant wisely and engaging in thorough discussions, families can embark on the journey towards homeownership with confidence and clarity.
For more insightful articles and expert guidance on homeownership, visit the blog section of BCC Homes at https://www.bcchomes.au/blog.
Remember, your dream home is within reach, and the FHOG and BCC Homes are here to help you turn that dream into a reality.
Link to more information at Queensland Revenue Office - https://qro.qld.gov.au/property-concessions-grants/first-home-grant/
So, you're ready to build. Maybe it's a Granny Flat for Mum, a teenager retreat, or a smart way to boost your property value. But before the dream takes shape, there's the not-so-glamorous hurdle of building approvals. We hear this question all the time from families across the South East Queensland: "How do I get building approval quickly and without all the runaround?" We've helped countless Queensland families cut through the red tape and get their Granny Flat projects moving faster. Here are our top tips to avoid lengthy approvals and start building sooner. First things first – the aim is to qualify as a Secondary Dwelling. We'll share how you can do this below, and knowing these secrets is where you're going to save both time and money! Secondary Dwelling Code: Your Fast-Track to Approval By following a few simple rules, you'll be able to have a Private Certifier approve your Granny Flat instead of your local council. This isn't just a faster turnaround time – it can also save you thousands of dollars. Even better, if you're adding a Granny Flat for additional income, you'll start seeing a return on your investment much sooner. Why Avoid Development Applications? All councils, including the City of Gold Coast, follow a standardised development assessment process guided by the Planning Act 2016 and the Development Assessment Rules. This process involves several lengthy stages, including application, referral, information requests and then finally the decision from Council. Fortunately, the City Plan supports secondary dwellings, therefore if you have followed the requirements and provided the necessary documents, in most cases you will get approval. This is however where you'll spend months waiting and where possible, want to avoid. Our Top Tips for Qualifying Under the Secondary Dwelling Code Here's how to stay within the rules and fast-track your approval: Stay Off the Boundaries There are minimum distances that secondary dwellings must be built from your boundary lines. Knowing what these are and building within those requirements will save you significant time when it comes to approvals – and determines which approval pathway you'll need to take. Stay Under 80m² - size matters There are a few variations, but keeping your Granny Flat under 80m² on the Gold Coast will mean you'll be eligible to classify it as a Secondary Dwelling, which means faster approvals and lower costs. Note: Each council varies slightly on sizing, just contact us to find out more. Build Within the Correct Zones For most areas, your Granny Flat needs to be built within a specific distance of your main property. On the Gold Coast it's 20 metres for a rural property, or 10 metres from eave to eave on a low/medium density home, but again this can vary depending on which council area you're in. Building your Granny Flat within these requirements can again avoid delays. These requirements will be available from your local council and providing you abide by the zoning regulations; you can proceed under the Secondary Dwelling pathway. The Bottom Line If you go outside these rules, the council gets involved as your project becomes "code assessable" and a Development Application will need to be lodged. This means months of waiting and thousands in additional costs. Stay within these simple guidelines and you can obtain Secondary Dwelling Code approval via a Private Certifier – meaning no council delays, faster approvals, and money saved. The best part? We've already decoded this process for you. Ready to build your Granny Flat smarter, not harder? Contact us today and discover how our proven process can get your project approved quickly and built to the highest standards. Let us help turn your vision into reality!
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