Hey everyone, I have a question pertaining experiences in obtaining the FHOG in nsw. The apartment I am looking at has been purchased OTP, but never been lived in (my understanding is there was issues with the developer and it took 2 years longer than expected to complete). The owner has since decided to move out of country, and needs to get rid of it (I guess a lot changes in 2 years time!) My understanding is that once it has been purchased, it is no longer FHOG accessible, however, I thought I'd try my luck to see if im wrong. As an aside, the solicitor I use has just gone on holidays and I havnt sourced another just yet. Thanks a lot!
I'm pretty sure you're right. If it's had another owner, I don't think it counts as "new" anymore, even if they haven't moved in.
Is the Discount you get for buying it second-hand greater than the value of the FHOG? If so, you can just buy it anyway if the property meets your requirements.
Best to check with OSR. Apparently, you can get a letter of declaration from vendors solicitors that no one lived at property and it is brand new.
Not sure about other states but in NSW you won't be able to claim the grant even if the previous owner hasn't settled on the property (which is crazy really).
FIRST HOME OWNER GRANT (NEW HOMES) ACT 2000 - SECT 4A (1) A home that has not been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence, and includes a substantially renovated home and a home built to replace demolished premises. http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/fhogha2000344/s4a.html
