First home buyers peaked in June
September 30, 2009
New figures show that over 153,000 Australians had taken advantage of the First Home Owners Boost to the end of August, although the number began declining from June.
NSW continued to lead the way, with over 53,000 applicants taking up the Boost - over one third of the national total.
“A strong housing market is critical for underpinning confidence and supporting jobs in the Australian economy as we battle the worst global recession in 75 years,” Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek noted. “The Rudd Government is pleased with the success of the First Home Owners Boost, with over 153,000 first home buyers entering the market since October 2008.”
The First Home Owners Boost was halved today (October 1) as part of a phase out of the stimulus measure. The Rudd Government reduced the Boost from $14,000 to $10,500 for existing homes, and from $21,000 to $14,000 for new homes. The First Home Owners Grant will return to the normal level of $7,000 at the end of the year.
First home buyers made up over one quarter of all new loans for owner occupation and overall the number of first home buyers rose by over 73 per cent in July 2009 compared with the same period last year.
Totals to August
NSW: 53,319
VIC: 34,805
QLD: 30,841
WA: 16.670
SA: 10,773
TAS: 3,494
ACT: 2,400
NT: 1,147
TOTAL: 153,449
Month-by-month total -
OCT: 121
NOV: 5.385
DEC: 11,130
JAN: 12,853
FEB: 12,664
MAR: 17,265
APR: 18,736
MAY: 19,607
JUN: 20,389
JUL: 18,939
AUG: 16,360