{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions Advertise jobs HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Communication for your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program Get to know us Our members Our people
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2025 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

First home owner grants

HIA supports the retention of the First Home Owner Grants (FHOG) for new homes as a way to reduce the GST burden that applies to new homes but not to existing homes.

HIA's Position statement

  • HIA supports state governments retaining the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) for new home construction only.

Background

  • First Home Owners Grants (FHOG) were originally implemented as compensation for introduction of the GST, which was applied to new homes but did not apply to existing homes at the point of sale.
  • Despite this, over time they were applied across both new and existing residential property.
  • The application of a FHOGs to the purchase of new homes only has been shown over time to provide an effective stimulus to the broader economy.
  • There are major efficiency gains to be realised from targeting housing policies (including measures directed at first home buyers) that increase the supply of new homes.
  • Housing policies targeted at the construction of new homes, in all forms, can effectively increase the overall housing stock for all households.
  • Residential building activity exerts a positive multiplier impact through the wider economy.
  • The approach by states and territories to focus FHOGs on new home building recognises this benefit.
Share with your network:
More articles on:
{{ tag.label }} {{ tag.label }} $vuetify.icons.faTimes
Find the latest expert advice, guides and much more!
HIA Advocacy
View all $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
17 Mar
Review of the Amended Unfair Contract Terms Protections

HIA responded to the Consultation Paper on the Review of the Amended Unfair Contract Terms Protections. The Consultation Paper canvasses a range of matters associated with the expansion of the UCT provisions in 2023 for consumers and small businesses.

16 Mar
Climate Change and Natural Hazards State Environmental Planning Policy – Explanation of Intended Effect

HIA commented on the Climate Change and Natural Hazards State Environmental Planning Policy Explanation of Intended Effect (February 2026), a submission to NSW Government.

13 Mar
Review of the Residential Building Work Contracts and Dispute Resolution Regulations 2016

HIA provided feedback on the proposed review of the Residential Building Work Contracts and Dispute Resolution Regulations 2016.

06 Mar
UNINSURED, UNBUILT - how Australia's small business crisis is adding risk and costing us homes

HIA has provided Federal Parliament with our submission, 'UNINSURED, UNBUILT - how Australia's small business crisis is adding risk and costing us homes, to the Small Business Insurance Inquiry currently underway. Our message is clear: the progressive failure of the system is a direct and material constraint on the construction of new homes: it is greatly contributing to homes not being built.

03 Mar
Closing Loopholes reforms

HIA has participated in the ongoing consultation in relation to the Closing Loopholes Review. HIA has strongly advocated for our Members in our submission to the Review by challenging the Federal Government's suite of recent reforms to the Fair Work Act 2009 - you cannot solve a housing crisis with laws that make building harder.

27 Feb
The Sydney Plan

HIA made a submission to the NSW Government on ‘The Sydney Plan’ (Draft for Public Exhibition – December 2025).