The HomeBuilder Grant was a key financial support initiative introduced by the Victorian Government to stimulate the residential construction market during the COVID-19 pandemic. While applications officially closed on 14 April 2021, eligible applicants can still submit supporting documents, and payments are being finalised throughout 2025.
Whether you’re a first home buyer, looking to build a new home or renovate your existing home, this article will walk you through everything you need to know about the HomeBuilder Grant, including eligibility requirements, key deadlines, and how to ensure you’ve submitted all the necessary documentation through the State Revenue Office.
What is the First Home Builders Grant?
The HomeBuilder Grant was a federal initiative administered by state governments, including Victoria. It provided $25,000 or $15,000 to eligible Australians to assist with their new build, purchasing an off-the-plan home, or carrying out substantial renovations on an existing home.
Although new applications are no longer being accepted, many first homebuyers still have questions about eligibility criteria, grant payments, and next steps – especially those who lodged before the cut-off and are still finalising documents.
Key Dates:
- Contracts must have been signed between 4 June 2020 and 14 April 2021.
- Construction must commence within six months of the contract being signed.
- For off-the-plan purchases, title registration must occur by 30 April 2023.
- Supporting documents are still being accepted in 2025 for pending or approved applications.
For more up-to-date information, visit the State Revenue Office website.
Who Can Apply for the HomeBuilder Grant?
While new applications are closed, it’s helpful to understand the eligibility criteria if you’re finalising a submission or planning for similar future schemes.
To have been eligible:
- You must be an Australian citizen (not just a permanent resident or visa holder).
- You must have been an individual, not a company or trust.
- Your income must have been below:
- $125,000 for individuals or
- $200,000 for couples (based on your 2018–19 or 2019–20 tax return).
- You must be an owner-occupier, not an investor or owner-builder.
- At least one applicant must live in the property as their principal place of residence for a continuous six-month period after construction is complete.
Properties must be located in Victoria, and all building contracts must be with registered builders, not private owner-builders.
Real Life Example: Jack and Mia’s First Home in Regional Victoria
Let’s say Jack and Mia, both Australian citizens, signed a building contract for their first home in Bendigo on 10 February 2021.
They applied for the $15,000 HomeBuilder Grant before the 14 April 2021 deadline and are also eligible for the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) because the home is a new build in regional Victoria.
Construction began on 15 June 2021 (within the required six-month window) , and they moved in by March 2022. As they met the condition of living in the home as their place of residence for at least six months, they satisfied the grant‘s eligibility requirements.
In 2025, they’re finalising some final paperwork with the State Revenue Office, including proving they’ve paid the first progress payment to their builder and registered on the certificate of title.
Thanks to the HomeBuilder Grant and the home owner grant, Jack and Mia saved significantly on their new build, even as interest rates shifted over the years.
How Much Was the HomeBuilder Grant?
$25,000 Grant (Contract signed between 4 June–31 December 2020)
You were eligible if:
- The total value of the new home (house and land) did not exceed $750,000.
- You hired a registered builder for substantial renovations costing $150,000–$750,000, and the existing property was valued under $1.5 million.
- You purchased a new build or off-the-plan property with a contract price under $750,000.
$15,000 Grant (Contract signed between 1 January–14 April 2021)
You were eligible if:
- The new home value was under $850,000.
- Renovations met the same cost and value thresholds as above.
- The building permit was issued after 4 June 2020.
All values are GST inclusive.
What Counts as a Substantial Renovation?
A substantial renovation must improve the functionality, safety or livability of the home. This may involve replacing major structural elements or demolishing and rebuilding the house on the same land.
Cosmetic updates like painting or installing a swimming pool don’t count. The legal definition, per the GST Act, includes projects where “all, or substantially all, of a building is removed or replaced.”
Other Eligibility Scenarios
First Home Buyers
First home buyers could combine the HomeBuilder Grant with the First Home Owner Grant, which is especially useful if buying a new home or building in regional Victoria. Learn more about the First Home Owner Grant in Victoria.
Bushfire Recovery
If your residence was destroyed in the 2019–2020 bushfires and you planned to rebuild, your project may have been classified as a substantial renovation under the grant.
Rural and Farming Properties
In regional Victoria, where land values may exceed the cap, applicants could provide documentation showing only the replacement value of the home was to be considered—not the total land value. Required documents may include:
- Council rate notices
- Insurance estimates
- Independent property valuations
Eligible Builders
Your builder must be appropriately registered with the Victorian Building Authority:
- Before 4 June 2020 for contracts signed before 29 November 2020.
- Before 29 November 2020 for contracts signed after that date.
For some substantial renovations, a builder with a limited domestic licence may suffice. Always include a copy of the builder’s licence in your application.
When Will the Grant Be Paid?
Depending on your situation, the HomeBuilder Grant is paid at different stages:
- New builds: After the foundations are laid and the first progress payment has been made.
- Substantial renovations: After construction begins and you’ve paid at least $150,000.
- Off-the-plan homes: After the title is registered in your name.
If you haven’t received payment or are appealing a decision, you may need to contact the State Revenue Office or your conveyancer for support.
Missed Out? What You Can Do
If your HomeBuilder application was rejected or delayed, you can appeal via your state’s dispute resolution body. It’s worth speaking to a conveyancer to discuss whether you’re still eligible or if other government grants or stamp duty concessions may apply to your situation.
Looking to Apply in Another State?
The HomeBuilder Grant was available nationwide, but the eligibility criteria, property caps, and timelines varied by state or territory. If you signed a building contract outside Victoria, check the relevant state revenue office to learn more about your options.
Final Tips
- The HomeBuilder Grant may be over, but if you’re a first home owner, other options like the First Home Owner Grant, stamp duty exemptions, and shared equity schemes could still help you into your first home.
- Make sure your building permit, builder’s license, and supporting documents are all valid and submitted promptly.
- Still unsure? Contact Haitch Convey, our expert Melbourne conveyancers are here to help you navigate the buying and selling process in Victoria.
This update does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. It is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on matters of interest and it is not intended to be comprehensive. You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content.
Last updated: 25 March 2025 Article by: Halil Gokler Edited by: Randa Balbissi
