Will your adult children ever leave home?
The current property predicament
It’s no secret that property prices have skyrocketed, making it challenging for young adults to spread their wings and fly the coop. Despite the seemingly stabilising of interest rates, the high cost of renting coupled with the daunting task of saving for a deposit has resulted in a significant trend…
According to recent research, the average age of a first home buyer in Australia is now closer to 40 than 20. In fact, Aussies are, on average, 36 years old when they buy their first home. Yes, you read that correctly. It seems the dream of owning a home early in life has shifted further down the timeline.
But fear not, there are ways we can help our offspring take flight without jeopardising our own financial future.
Parental assistance with caution
Before we delve into the ways we can assist, let us emphasise one crucial point.
Innovative strategies for independence
One intriguing and popular trend among first home buyers is ‘rentvesting’. This innovative approach involves purchasing a property to rent out while continuing to rent elsewhere. It allows young adults to enter the property market without sacrificing their desired lifestyle.
Read more about Rentvesting here.
Additionally, there are various state programs and grants to aid first home buyers.
For instance, in NSW, eligible buyers can opt for an annual land tax instead of stamp duty on properties up to $1.5 million.
Similarly, Victoria provides stamp duty exemptions and a shared equity program for low deposit purchases.
These incentives can significantly ease the financial burden of entry into the property market.
Federal support for first home buyers
The government has also stepped in to support aspiring homeowners. The First Home Guarantee program, for instance, enables low deposit purchases without the need for mortgage insurance, making homeownership more accessible to young adults. If you have a potential first home buyer living with you, the good news is that there are several schemes set up by the Australian government to help them financially through the process.
The bad news is that it can be very confusing trying to navigate all the different schemes with their various eligibility criteria!
This is where we can help navigate the journey.
Here’s an overview of the Government First Home Buyer Schemes and Grants available in 2024.
Government initiatives to support first home buyers can be broadly categorised into national schemes and state specific programs.
National initiatives
First home guarantee
Under this scheme, the government provides a guarantee for a portion of the deposit required for purchasing a home.
First home super saver scheme
This initiative allows individuals to make voluntary contributions to their superannuation fund that can be withdrawn later for the purpose of a home deposit.
It allows first time home buyers to accumulate a deposit for their initial home purchase within their superannuation account, benefiting from favourable tax treatment.
As part of the scheme, the government has raised the maximum amount of savings that borrowers can access from their super to contribute towards a home deposit by increasing it from $30,000 to $50,000.
Home guarantee
Designed for single parents with dependants, this scheme helps by guaranteeing a portion of the deposit required for buying a home.
Regional first home buyer support scheme
Geared towards individuals planning to purchase property in regional areas of Australia, this scheme provides government support by guaranteeing a portion of the deposit.
Shared equity – Help to buy schemes
This program involves the government contributing towards the upfront costs of a home purchase in exchange for a stake in the property’s equity. There are state specific incentives and different application criteria for each state. So be sure to investigate wisely.
Shared equity arrangements offer the opportunity to expedite property acquisition by diminishing the initial deposit and the burden of ongoing mortgage payments, however it is crucial to contemplate the enduring consequences.
These may encompass the government participating in the profits generated from your property so this decision should align with your individual aspirations.
State specific initiatives
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
While this grant is a national scheme, there are variations in its implementation across different states reflecting differing eligibility criteria and grant amounts.
One off transfer duty (stamp duty) waivers or concessions
Some states offer waivers or concessions on transfer duty (commonly known as stamp duty) for first home buyers to provide financial relief during the property purchasing process.
There’s a lot to take in isn’t there?
And that’s where we can help. We stay updated on new government initiatives to ensure you don’t have to.
However, as with any financial undertaking, consulting with a qualified professional is imperative to make well informed decisions.
Homeownership may be achievable with the right support and planning.
Despite the challenges posed by the current property market, there is reason for optimism. Recent data indicates a growing number of younger Australians are achieving homeownership. This is a reflection of their resilience and determination. As parents, we can play a supportive role in this journey while ensuring our own financial stability.
As your trusted finance team, we urge you to navigate this journey with caution by prioritising your financial well-being while offering support to your adult children.
So, as you ponder the prospect of reclaiming your empty nest, let’s work together to empower our adult children to spread their wings and soar into homeownership.
If you'd like help with assessing your personal and financial situation, as well as comparing the loans in the market to see if you're truly getting the right deal for you, then call Bob Malpass now on 0431 862 136, email [email protected]
Thanks for reading
Bob
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