Stage 4 Restrictions for Housing and HomeBuilder

Over the next few weeks HIA members in metropolitan Melbourne will need to respond to the challenges imposed by the stage 4 restrictions. Members in regional Victoria also face the challenge of managing stage 3 restrictions, including the mandatory use of face masks.

HIA appreciates that this has been a time of great uncertainty for members and our team of Workplace Advisers has been responding to your questions.  As we respond and seek to provide greater clarity on the new requirements, your patience is appreciated.

FAQs – Stage 4 restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne

While we expect further updates regarding the stage 4 restrictions, HIA has prepared a list of Frequently Asked Questions. This will be updated as more information or clarification is received from the Victorian government.

As HIA is receiving a high volume of calls you may find that checking this website first may save you some time and help you understand the impact of the restrictions.  Further information about the requirements under the stage 4 restrictions can also be found here.

HomeBuilder Update

There have been two important announcements about HomeBuilder.

First, this morning the Victorian State Revenue Office released details of the application process for clients to apply for HomeBuilder.  This information, including the application portal, is available here.  Your clients can use the portal to make their application once an eligible contract has been signed.

Second, in light of the introduction of stage 3 and 4 restrictions across Victoria a blanket extension of 3 months to the construction commencement requirement has been granted. This means that a builder has six months from the signing of the contract to commence construction in order to be eligible for the grant. There is however no discretion to allow any extensions of time beyond this.

Importantly, construction will commence:

• For new builds, when excavation and site preparation works have commenced.
• For a substantial renovation, when the works under the renovation contract commence.
• For an off-the-plan build, when excavation and site preparation works have commenced.

Further information about Homebuilder can be found here.