It is a shared equity scheme that helps you buy a home in Victoria with a deposit as low as 5% of the purchase price. The Victorian Government will contribute up to 25% of the purchase price for an equity share. You avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which is normally applicable when you borrow more than 80% of the property value.
You don’t have to be a first-home buyer to qualify. The fund is available for those who want to become owner-occupiers of property in Victoria.
How Does The Victorian Homebuyer Fund Work?
The Victorian Government will make a financial contribution for an equity share in the property. You buy back the government’s share over time.
The government will allow eligible participants with a contribution of 25%, and you will need to contribute a minimum of 5% of the purchase price as a deposit. A participating lender will provide the remaining amount.
Note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants require only a 3.5% deposit and are eligible for a 35% shared equity contribution.
The government will not charge interest on its contribution but will take its proportional share of any capital gain or loss should you sell your home.
An Example Of How It Works
You’re buying a home valued at $750,000 through the Victorian Homebuyer Fund with a home loan from a participating lender. You start with a 5% deposit, which equals $37,500. The Victorian Government contributes $187,500, equivalent to 25% of the property value. The $525,000, or 70% of the property’s value, is secured through a home loan with a participating lender.
The 360° Home Loan Assessor provides a comprehensive breakdown of the savings you can achieve by accessing the fund. By factoring in the government’s contribution, you can understand the reduced deposit amount required, making homeownership more accessible and affordable.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of The Victorian Homebuyer Fund?
Pros
Cons
You can buy a home sooner with a smaller deposit.
There are only a handful of participating lenders.
You save thousands on LMI fees.
The Victorian Government owns a portion of your property.
You might also be eligible for other first-home specific grants and stamp-duty exemptions or concessions.
You have to buy back the government’s share of the property to gain that equity.
Am I Eligible For The Victorian Homebuyer Fund?
To be eligible for the Victorian Homebuyer fund, you must:
Be 18 years old at the time of settlement
Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident; New Zealand citizens are also accepted
Save a minimum deposit of 5% (3.5% for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders) of the property price
Earn a gross income of $130,485 or less annually for single applicants or $208,775 or less for joint applicants
Live in the property as the principal place or residence
Become registered owners of the property
Have an approved loan from a participating lender; you must have sufficient funds to pay for all the costs of buying the property
You cannot:
Purchase your property from a vendor who is a relative
Own an interest in any land in Australia or overseas (even as a trustee of a trust or beneficiary under a trust)
Be a shareholder in any corporation (other than a publicly traded company) that owns any land in Australia or overseas.
Make Informed Decisions With The 360° Home Loan Assessor
Determine how much you can contribute as a deposit
Get clarity on the total costs of buying a home
Explore interest-rate options based on your situation
The maximum purchase price is $950,000 or less in Metropolitan Melbourne and Geelong or $600,000 or less in eligible regional locations.
What type of property can I buy?
It must be a standard residential property:
House
Townhouse
Unit
Apartment
Vacant land and off-the-plan purchases are not accepted.
For existing or new property, a certificate of occupancy must be issued before the date of the contract of sale.
The property must be vacant when purchased or, if there is a lease, it must expire within 12 months of acquisition and tenants must vacate the property by then.
Where Can I Buy Under The Victorian Homebuyer Fund?
The property you buy must be in Metropolitan Melbourne, Geelong or an eligible regional location in Victoria. Here are some areas eligible for the scheme.
Metropolitan Melbourne
Geelong
Regional Victoria
Southbank Richmond Mount Waverley Croydon Berwick Dandenong Cranbourne Frankston
Hamlyn Heights Geelong Geelong West North Geelong
Bacchus Marsh Bendigo Ballarat Ocean Grove – Barwon Heads
Please visit Victoria’s SRO page for a full list of suburbs where you can purchase a home.
How Do I Apply For The Victorian HomeBuyer Fund?
Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements
Get a participating lender to approve your loan
Have sufficient funds to pay for all the costs associated with buying a home
You need to provide the following documents when applying for a home loan:
Proof of identification
Proof of income
Details of expenses, liabilities and assets
The participating lender will lodge your application with the State Revenue Office (SRO). If your application is successful, you will be granted provisional approval for the Homebuyer Fund. Now, you have six months to enter into a contract of sale.
During this period, you need to review the following documents:
Participation Agreement
Scheme Mortgage
Scheme Mortgage Terms
Letter of Support
Once you’re ready to enter into a contract of sale, contact your lender to advance your application. Make sure you talk to your lawyer or conveyancer to assist you with the settlement process. You must provide your lender with a certificate of currency of insurance.
At the time of settlement, the contribution from the Homebuyer Fund is provided via the Electronic Lodgement Network Operator ELNO (unless alternative arrangements were made). Your lawyer or conveyancer will assist with disbursing the funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Places Are Available?
The scheme will help a total of 3,000 households over time.
Who Are The Participating Lenders?
These are the Victorian Homebuyer Fund lenders:
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Bank Australia
Bendigo Bank
Indigenous Business Australia
You cannot use lenders that are not participating in the scheme. Also, note that while you might qualify for the Victorian Homebuyer Fund, you must also qualify under the lender’s criteria for loan approval.
Can I Still Apply For The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)?
Yes, you can still apply for an FHOG in Victoria. Homebuyer Fund eligibility does not affect your eligibility for the grant.
I Am An Existing Homeowner In The HomesVic Scheme. Can I Swap Schemes?
No, you cannot swap schemes; however, the state government will give you an opportunity to be a part of the HomeBuyer Fund in 2023.
When Do I Need To Repay The Government’s Financial Contribution?
You will repay the government’s financial contribution within the initial duration of the home loan plus 60 days.
You can even make voluntary payments to reduce the state’s share over time. However, during the first two years, the state’s interest must be at least 5%. Voluntary payments must be at least $10,000 and reduce the state’s interest by at least five percentage points.
Can I Refinance My Home Loan?
You can refinance your home loan, subject to approval from the chosen participating lender. You can increase your borrowings only when:
You’re paying back the government’s share
Financial hardship provisions have been made
The Homebuyer Fund must approve these.
Can I Renovate The Property?
Yes, you can. But you will need approval from the Homebuyer Fund if modifications:
Cost $10,000 or more
Require a building or planning permit
Involve a structural adjustment to the property
Modifications that reduce the property’s value are not permitted. Your equity share must not fall below what was initially held at the time of purchase due to the modifications.
What Happens If I Was A Single Applicant But Enter Into A Relationship?
If you get married or enter a de facto relationship, your ongoing eligibility will not change. If you want your partner to be a registered owner, you must apply to the SRO for approval.
What If My Income Exceeds The Threshold Over Time?
If your income exceeds the gross annual income for two consecutive years, you must repay the government’s financial contribution in part or whole as your circumstances permit.
How Soon Can I Sell My Property?
You cannot sell your property within two years of settlement without prior written consent from the SRO.
If I Sell The Property, How Are The Proceeds Distributed?
If your property is sold, the proceeds are distributed in this order:
Your bank to pay off the remaining loan
The Victorian Homebuyer fund to pay back its share in the property
Anyone with a legal or equitable interest in the property (council rates)
You
What If I Don’t Qualify For The Victorian Homebuyer Fund?
There are alternatives available:
The nationwide ‘Help To Buy’ shared equity scheme that will start in 2024.
First-home buyers can even get grants and stamp duty exemptions and concessions.
Ready To Apply?
Our mortgage brokers will help you throughout the process. Call us on 1300 889 743 or enquire online for free today!
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