Victorian first home buyers smash records in 2009

Victoria’s first home buyers have taken advantage of the increased grants on offer in 2009, with a record 53,730 Victorians buying their first home.

Premier John Brumby said the state and federal stimulus packages helped to lift the figure over 20 per cent higher than the previous record.

“Last year we gave an extra boost for those Victorians wanting to build their own homes and 15,575 Victorians signed up to build, helping to create jobs for Victoria’s carpenters, electricians, builders, plumbers and other tradespeople,” Mr Brumby said. “That strategy has clearly worked and will continue to be an important part of our plan to fight the ongoing effects of the Global Financial Crisis in 2010.”

Melburnians planning to build their first home in 2010 can still take receive up to $18,000 from the Victorian Government. Regional Victorians can access up to $22,500 to build a new home outside Melbourne.

Housing Industry Association Chief Economist Harley Dale said the proportion of grants given to Victorians planning on building their own homes had jumped from 22 per cent in the first half of 2009 to a peak of 46 per cent in December.

“The extra home construction bonus has generated new residential building activity that would not otherwise have occurred and has created around 19,000 additional construction and related jobs in Victoria,” Mr Dale said.

Top 10 Metro Postcodes Grant Paid for 2009

3030: Point Cook, Werribee, Derrimut

3029: Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit

3023: Burnside, Deer Park, Caroline Springs

3977: Cranbourne, Cardinia

3064: Craigieburn, Donnybrook, Roxburgh Park

3810: Pakenham, Rythdale

3754: Doreen, Mernda

3337: Melton, Toolern Vale

3805: Narre Warren, Fountain Gate

3037: Calder Park, Hill Side, Sydenham, Plumpton

Top 10 Regional Postcodes Grant Paid for 2009

3350: Alfredton, Ballarat, Canadian, Invermay Park, Mt Clear, Mt Helen

3216: Belmont, Grovedale, Highton, Marshall, Waurn Ponds

3500: Mildura, Mildura East, Mildura West

3690: West Wodonga, Wodonga, Wodonga Plaza

3550: Bendigo, Diamond Hill

3844: Blackwarry, Callignee, Carrajung, Flynn, Koornalla, Loy Yang

3630: Shepparton, Dunkirk

3280: Warrnambool, Dennington

3551: Arnold, Epsom, Huntly, Myola, Toolleen, Wellsford

3214: Corio, North Shore, Norlane

Posted Wednesday 27th of January 2010, 5:14 PM