805 Queensland home buyers get off to Great Start

The dream of home ownership has become a reality for more than 800 Queenslanders with the help of the Newman Government’s $15,000 Great Start Grant.       

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said that between October 2012 and March 28 this year, 805 first home buyers had received the Grant to build or buy a new house or apartment.

“We announced the Grant as part of the 2012-13 State Budget to help more people enter the property market, stimulate the construction industry and help alleviate the housing shortage in regional resource communities,” Mr Nicholls said.

“We consistently said it would take time to see the results, as payment of the Grant is only made once construction is complete or the first draw-down of funds occurs.

“I am pleased to reveal that the Grant is off to a very positive start and I want to reiterate that the Great Start Grant is not a short term sugar hit. It’s here to stay.”

Earlier this month, Mr Nicholls visited Stockland’s Bells Reach community in Caloundra where he launched the Great Start Grant website and an exciting new advertising campaign.

“The Office of State Revenue has been out and about, at places like the Brisbane Home Show, telling people about the Grant,” he said.

“Industry and business are also on board, using marketing material available on the website to help promote the Grant and attract customers.”

He said the new television advertising campaign was taking the message directly into the living rooms of customers.

“For those tired of living with their parents or in need of extra space for their growing family, the extra $15,000 will give them a great start,” Mr Nicholls said.

Mr Nicholls said several industry reports, studies and surveys had indicated confidence was on the rebound in 2013.

“The Newman Government was recently ranked Australia’s highest overall performing State Government in a Property Council of Australia survey,” he said.

“Our policies are making Queensland the ideal place to live, work, invest and do business.

“Land tax in Queensland remains 20 per cent lower than the national average and transfer duty is 12 per cent below the national average.”

[ENDS] 30 March 2013

Media Contact: Tim Braban – 0413 022 519

 **NOTE**March figure in attached table is up to March 28