How Long Will NSW Be In Lockdown?
Greater Sydney, including Central Coast, the Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour, are currently scheduled to remain in lockdown until 12:01am on 28 August 2021. However, that is subject to change, based on new developments in the spread of COVID-19.
What Are The Lockdown Rules In NSW?
- In-person auctions and open inspections of properties are not allowed. Inspections can be done via private appointment for one person only.
- Construction activity, including renovations of residential homes, is on hold unless urgent work is required.
- Retail premises in Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour, are closed. Only businesses that provide essential services and products are open. Businesses that provide home deliveries are open for click-and-collect.
- Services such as repairs, maintenance, cleaning or other trades cannot be done on residential premises, except in emergencies.
NSW Construction Ban Lifted
The NSW Government has mandated a pause on all non-urgent construction work in the suburbs within the local government areas of Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, and Parramatta. Outside those areas, construction is allowed to continue with certain COVID-save restrictions.
Although the construction ban in NSW is temporary, it affects:
- People building new homes
- People doing renovations
- Government construction projects, including roads and other infrastructures
- Anyone employed in the construction industry
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said work could continue if urgent repairs are necessary to keep families safe.
To stay updated about the lockdown rules in NSW, please visit the state government website here.
What Support Is Available For Individuals Affected By The NSW Lockdown?
| What support is available? | What is it? | How to apply? |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 Disaster Payment | The payment is for employees who are not able to earn an income due to the lockdown.
| You can apply through the Services Australia website |
| Tenant and landlord support | Evictions of tenants who have lost 25% or more of their income are not permitted. Land tax relief and grants are available for landlords who reduce the rent of tenants affected by the lockdown. Eligible landlords can receive a grant within 60 days of applying. | Affected tenants should inform their landlord of their situation or contact NSW Fair Trading For more information, NSW's Fair Trading website |
What Support Is Available For Micro-businesses And Sole Traders Affected By NSW Lockdown?
To be eligible, the business or organisation must have a turnover of between $30,000 and $75,000 a year, and revenue declined by 30% or more.
| What support is available? | What is it? | How to apply? |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 Micro Business Grants | $1500 fortnightly tax-free grant The payment will start in late July 2021. For more information, refer to the 2021 COVID-19 micro-business grant page. | Applications are open in late July. Please note, a sole trader cannot get both the COVID-19 Micro Business Grant and COVID-19 Disaster Payment. |
| Tenant and landlord support | Landlords cannot evict retail or commercial tenants without mediation Land tax relief is available for landlords who reduce the rent of affected tenants between 1 July and 31 December 2021. | Apply for mediation support here For more information on land tax relief, please visit here |
What Support Is Available For Small Businesses Affected By The NSW Lockdown?
To be eligible, the business or organisation must have an annual turnover of more than $75,000 and a decline in revenue of 30% or more due to the lockdown.
| What support is available? | What is it? | How to apply? |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 Business Grants | A one-off tax-free grant of $7,500 to $15,000 depending on the decline in revenue. Payments start from late July 2021 | Applications are open from 19 July 2021 on the Service NSW website |
| JobSaver | Tax-free payments of 40% of pre-COVID weekly payroll, from $1500 to $10,000 a week; $1000 weekly for non-employing business Payments start late July 2021 | Register your interest with Service NSW |
| Tenant and landlord support | Landlords cannot evict retail or commercial tenants without mediation. Land tax relief is available throughout the lockdown for landlords who reduce the rent of tenants affected by lockdown. | Learn more about mediation support and application here |
What Support Is Available For Industry-specific Sectors?
| Sector | What is available? | How do I apply? |
|---|---|---|
| Support for creative sector | Tailored payments for non-profits, commercial theatres and commercial music venues to help with the cost of current productions | For more information, visit the Create NSW website |
| Accommodation | Available for providers who show evidence of room cancellations during the school holiday period.
| For more information and application, visit NSW's website |
What Mortgage Relief Options Are Available In NSW?
The mortgage relief options available if you’re affected by the lockdown in NSW include:
- Mortgage deferrals (the time differs according to each lender)
- Loan deferrals for small businesses
- Temporary reductions in repayments
CBA announced an extension of the moratorium on foreclosures for owner-occupiers to 22 February 2022.
If you are going through financial hardship due to the lockdown, immediately contact your lender or mortgage broker.
Also, consider these options if you’re affected by the lockdown:
- Switch to interest-only repayments for the short term.
- Refinance to a lower interest rate or a better deal to manage your repayments.
- Use the money from your offset or redraw account to manage repayments.
- Release equity to give you cashflow if income is affected.
- Consolidate debt to make repayments manageable.
Remember that lockdown restrictions and available relief change regularly. Please consult the relevant websites for up-to-date information.
At Home Loan Experts, we can discuss each option and suggest the right one for your situation. Call us today at 1300 889 743 or fill in our free assessment form.
How To Buy A Property During The NSW Lockdown
Strict stay-at-home orders are in effect in Greater Sydney, which means open homes and in-person auctions cannot be conducted.
You can opt for these property inspection options instead, if you’re looking at properties in NSW:
- Organise an appointment with the selling agent or property manager for a private inspection. Only you and the agent should be present during the inspection.
- Online auctions, which are done remotely, so you do not have to be onsite.
- Pre-settlement inspections should be arranged when the lockdown rules are relaxed.
- If your settlement is near and you need to sign the contract of sale, do so remotely or, if possible, defer to when restrictions are removed or weakened. Talk to your conveyancer or solicitor to see what options are available.
Are you looking for home loan or mortgage relief options during the lockdown? As an online mortgage broker, Home Loan Experts can help you during the lockdown. Call us on 1300 889 743 or complete our free online assessment form