Sariman

Hi everyone
I have just bought a house in Melbourne. I am still on 457 Visa but received our pre-grant latter for my 136 application already (by the way what pre-grant latter means?). Just wondering if there is any way to apply for the First Home Buyers grant.
Any comments and information is welcome.

Thanks

stevemich

Would have thought if you have already bought the house whilst on a temp visa, you will not get the grant in retrospect.

bcworld

Nope.

You (or at least one applicant) must be a permanent resident or Australian citizen at the time of settlement or completion of construction of the home

http://www.sro.vic.gov.au/sro/SROWeb...tes_fhog.htm#3

Vanessa

As far as I am aware you can claim it back if you become a PR within a year of settlement

Sariman

I know this but once I get my PR will they check when I got it? I know it is possible to apply for FHB after the settlement but my problem is, as you said, the Visa

Sariman

Where did you see this? any resource?

bcworld

For a definitive answer you should contact the Vic State Revenue Office.....they are responsible for payment of FHOGs. The line I quoted above was from their website.

Sariman

Thanks but couldnt find the quote there. It says you have 12 month after the settlement to apply for it, is that what you mean?

bcworld

No, it says:

'You (or at least one applicant) must be a permanent resident or Australian citizen at the time of settlement or completion of construction of the home'

Red_V_Roger

I was on the understanding that in NSW you can claim the value of the grant if you get PR within 12 months after you buy a house.

But I think that I have only read about people doing it on here - not from any official source.

Sariman

Yes that is what I found too. It seems there is no way to claim the grant

Red_V_Roger

Looks like VIC is different to NSW

I have just been reading the NSW rules...

- You must have PR to apply for the grant
- You must apply for the grant within 12 months of completion of the purchase


AND VERY IMPORTANTLY...

It says on the application form:

NOTE: At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the date of application

So in NSW you do not need PR at time of purchase, only to apply with 12 months and have PR at the time of application - as I have read on here before.

Sariman

VIC has always the most restricted rules among others and the most expensive stamp duty too!!!!
for attention of those thinking to move to Melbourne!!!!