June 2009
Monday, June 01, 2009
FIRST HOME BUYERS GRANT EXTENDED
The number of first home buyers in NSW jumped by 50 per cent between February and March.
Figures released by the Federal Government yesterday show that NSW remained the nation's home buying hot spot, with 6084 first-time buyers in March.
The jump came before the six-month extension to the Government's $21,000 First Home Owners Boost was announced in last week's budget.
Before that, the deadline for the grant was set for June 30 - a date widely considered to be behind the massive jump in numbers from February, when 3966 sales to first home buyers were recorded.
The total number of home buyers across the country rose from 12,664 in February to 17,265 in March - an increase of more than a third.
Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek yesterday welcomed the six-month extension of the boost, saying it would help more Australians realise their dream of home ownership.
"People who have been finding it difficult to get into the housing market are now seeing it as more affordable," she said. "By extending the grant, we are giving people more time to make a sensible decision."
She said there would be long-term benefits for the economy, predicting a "flow-on effect" into the early part of next year.
A 12.3 per cent drop in the median house price in Sydney over 2008, according to Housing NSW figures, could also be behind the buying boom.
As house prices fell, rents increased. The median rent for NSW dwellings was $325, up by 8.3 per cent over the year. In Sydney, the median rent rose $5 to $390 in the March quarter.
A Real Estate Institute of NSW spokesman said that, with tough times forecast to continue next year, the grant had not been extended long enough.
"We believe the additional incentive should run until at least July 2010," he said.
BEAT THE PRICE RISE !
From 1st July 2009, the prices of the solar home offers within Blacktown solar city will rise due to the project’s transition to the new solar credits scheme. So get in quick and beat the price rise by taking up one of the following remaining offers.
Save over $18,000 on the regular price of a BP solar energizer 1.65 kilowatt solar electricity system when you sign up to the solar home offer 3 with financing through an ANZ home loan.
Eligible home owners will save even more, receiving $2,000 back after installation and buyers in Landcom’s newest suburb ‘The Ponds’ can save over $10,000 on the regular price of a BP solar energizer 1 kilowatt solar electricity system with the solar home offer 4.
Systems are supplied and installed for the amazing Blacktown solar city™ recommended price of $3,691 (including gst). A very limited number of the solar home offer 1 and solar home offer 2 systems remain.
With options available for a 1 kilowatt electricity system or a 1 kilowatt electricity combined with a solar hot water system. Call 1800 619 322 for details or visit www.blacktownsolarcity.com.au for more information.
26th June,2009 - Sids & Kids Red Nose Day
Support this foundation with your donations
or purchasing a red nose to help raise funds
or research to prevent infant death.
For more information visit www.rednoseday.com.au