FNS40815 Finance: First Home Owner Grant Application & Lodgement

This document provides a comprehensive guide and application form for the First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) scheme. It outlines the eligibility criteria, including requirements related to citizenship, residency, and property value. The guide details the five easy steps to claim the grant, applicant obligations, potential penalties for providing incorrect information, and necessary supporting evidence. It differentiates between lodging the application with an approved agent versus directly with the Office of State Revenue (OSR), specifying required identity documents for each method. Additional supporting evidence requirements based on circumstances such as change of name, marital status, and transaction type are also included. The document concludes with the application form itself and contact information for further assistance. Desklib offers a variety of study tools, including solved assignments and past papers.

June 2017
First Home Owner
Grant (New Homes)
Scheme
Application Form and Lodgement
Guide for New Homes

LODGEMENT GUIDE | First Home Owner Grant 2017 2 of 23
First Home Owner
Grant (New Homes)
Scheme
Application Form and
Lodgement Guide for New
Homes
Contents
Five easy steps to claim your grant 3
Your obligations 4
Penalties 4
Providing incorrect or misleading information 4
Lodgement guide 5
Supporting evidence 6
Transaction type 7
When will the grant be paid? 9
When do I have to move in and for how long? 9
Common errors and misunderstandings 10
Terms used 11
Guide to completing the application 13
Application Form for New Homes 14
More Information 23

Read lodgement guide
1 Important information to read before completing and
submitting your application.
Complete application form
2 Complete all relevant sections.
Supply all supporting evidence
3 Complete the checklist to ensure all required supporting docume
Check your application
4 Review your application to make sure it is accurate and complet
Lodge application
5 Submit to your approved agent or the Office of State Revenue (O
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Five easy steps to claim your grant

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Your obligations
As an applicant for the First Home Owner Grant (New Homes), you
must ensure that the information contained in your application is
complete and correct.
It is an offence for a person to make a false or misleading statement
when applying for the grant. Therefore, if you are unsure about any
of your obligations or the information that is required in the
application, it is important that you consult our website or contact us
for clarification.
Please refer to page 23 for our contact details.
If your application is approved and the grant paid, you will be notified in
writing of the conditions you are required to satisfy, including the
residence requirements.
If you are unable to satisfy any of these conditions, you must notify the
Commissioner within the required timeframe and repay the grant. If you
do not meet these obligations, you may be subject to penalties.
Penalties
As part of its role in administering the First Home Owner Grant (New
Homes) Act 2000 (the Act), OSR checks all applications and conducts
ongoing investigations to ensure that applicants comply with the
conditions of the Act. If applicants receive the grant when they are not
entitled, or do not comply with the residence requirements, penalties up
to 100 per cent may be imposed.
Providing incorrect or misleading information
Providing incorrect or misleading information to OSR is a criminal offence.
If it is determined that an applicant has provided incorrect or misleading
information to obtain, or attempt to obtain, the grant then prosecution
action may be commenced.
All applications undergo a rigorous review where applicants are checked
for former home ownership in NSW and interstate. Other checks into
spouse/ de facto partner status, council records, title information and
finance particulars are undertaken on a routine basis.

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To apply
Lodgement guide
Each applicant should read this information before completing
and submitting the application form.
Applicants must:
ƒ
fully complete and lodge the application form with all
relevant supporting evidence
ƒ
be a natural person (i.e. not applying as a company or
trust), at least 18 years of age and whose interest in the
property is not held subject to a trust
ƒ
ensure at least one applicant is an Australian citizen
or a permanent resident
ƒ
be buying or building a new home for which the contract
was signed on or after 1 July 2014 or building a new home
as an owner builder where building commenced on or after
1 July 2014
ƒ
By buying or building a new home for which a contract was
signed on or after 1 October 2012 and before 1 July 2014,
or as an owner builder where building commenced on or
after 1 October 2012 and before 1 July 2014 for which the
total value of the property does not exceed the $650,000
cap, or
ƒ
Be buying a new home for which a contract was signed on
or after 1 July 2014 and before 30 June 2017 for which the
total value of the property does not exceed the $750,000
cap, or
ƒ
Be buying a new home for which a contract was signed on
or after 1 July 2017 for which the total value of the property
does not exceed the $600,000 cap, or
ƒ
Be building a new home for which a contract signed on or
after 1 July 2014, or as an owner builder where building
commenced on or after 1 July 2014 for which the total
value of the property does not exceed the $750,000 cap.
ƒ
ensure each person holding a relevant interest in the
property is an applicant
ƒ
ensure at least one applicant will reside in the home as their
principal place of residence for a continuous period of at
least six months commencing within 12 months of
completion of the eligible transaction. Where an applicant
was a member
of the permanent forces of the Australian Defence Force
and all applicants were enrolled on the NSW electoral roll,
as at the commencement date of the eligible transaction,
then all applicants are exempt from the residence
requirement.
Applicants and their spouse/partner must not:
ƒ
have previously received the a First
Home Owner Grant in any State or
Territory of Australia. If a grant was
received but later paid back together
with any penalty, you may be entitled to
the grant
ƒ
have previously owned or held a
relevant interest in
a residential property anywhere in
Australia prior to
1 July 2000
ƒ
have occupied for a continuous period of
at least six months, a residential property
in which they acquire a relevant interest
on or after 1 July 2000 anywhere in
Australia.
How to lodge your application
You can lodge your application with:
ƒ
the approved agent who is providing your finance.
A list of approved agents can be found
at
www.osr.nsw.gov.au/grants/fhog/agents
If you require the grant for settlement or first draw down/progress
payment, you must lodge your application with an approved agent.
ƒ
OSR.
Refer to back page for address details.

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Note: Applications cannot be lodged with the OSR until after the
completion of the eligible transaction.

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Supporting evidence
Proof of identity
If lodging with an approved agent If lodging with OSR
Each applicant and their spouse/de facto partner must
provide a Category 1 document.
The remaining identity checks will be performed by
the approved agent.
Each applicant and their spouse/de facto must provide one
document from each of the four categories (four documents
per person). A single document cannot be used for more
than one category.
Do not send original documents. Only send copies.
Category 1 – Evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent
r esidency
If born in Australia:
ƒ
Australian Birth Certificate issued by the Registry of
Births, Deaths & Marriages (birth extracts and passports
are not acceptable).
If born overseas:
ƒ
Foreign passport and current Australian Visa issued
for entry into Australia
ƒ
Foreign passport and Citizenship Certificate
ƒ
New Zealand passport
ƒ
Australian passport (only accepted where a
foreign passport is no longer available).
ƒ
If you are unable to provide your Foreign Passport
you must provide a written statement explaining;
- Why the Foreign Passport is not available,
- The full name that was shown on the
Foreign Passport, and
- The date you arrived in Australia
 New Zealand citizens must be living in Australia as at the
commencement date of the eligible transaction.
Note: At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen
or permanent resident as at the commencement date of
the eligible transaction.
If born in Australia:
ƒ
Australian Birth Certificate issued by the Registry of
Births, Deaths & Marriages (birth extracts and passports
are not acceptable).
If born overseas:
ƒ
Foreign passport and current Australian Visa issued
for entry into Australia
ƒ
Foreign passport and Citizenship Certificate
ƒ
New Zealand passport
ƒ
Australian passport (only accepted where a
foreign passport is no longer available).
ƒ
If you are unable to provide your Foreign Passport
you must provide a written statement explaining;
- Why the Foreign Passport is not available,
- The full name that was shown on the
Foreign Passport, and
- The date you arrived in Australia
 New Zealand citizens must be living in Australia as at the
commencement date of the eligible transaction.
Note: At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen
or permanent resident as at the commencement date of
the eligible transaction.
Category 2 – Link between identity and person
Not applicable ƒ Australian Drivers Licence (current)
ƒ
Passport (current)
ƒ
Firearms licence (current)
ƒ
NSW photo card issued by Roads and Maritime Services.
Category 3 – Evidence that the person operates in the
commu nity
Not applicable ƒ Medicare card
ƒ
Motor vehicle registration
ƒ
Centrelink or Department of Veterans Affairs card
ƒ
Debit/credit card of a financial institution.
Category 4 – Evidence of the person’s residential address
Not applicable ƒ Utility documents of residential address (e.g. bills
for electricity, gas, water, etc)
ƒ
Insurance policy with current residential address
ƒ
Statement of account of a financial institution.

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Additional supporting evidence if any of the following applies
If lodging with an approved agent If lodging with OSR
ƒ
Change of name
Evidence of a change of name is required if the name
on any of the documents presented is different to the
name of the applicant or spouse/partner.
ƒ
Married
Provide a copy of your marriage certificate, issued by the
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
ƒ
Divorced
Provide a copy of your divorce certificate/decree nisi.
ƒ
Widowed
Provide a copy of the death certificate of your spouse/
partner, issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and
Marriages.
ƒ
Separated
Provide a statutory declaration with the following
information:
► the name of your former spouse/partner
► spouse/partner’s date of birth
► the date you were married or commenced your
de facto relationship
► the date you separated
► your former spouse/partner’s current
address (if known)
► a statement to the effect that you do not live
together and have no intention of resuming
cohabitation.
Provide evidence of separation (e.g. change of
residential address).
ƒ
Change of name
Evidence of a change of name is required if the name
on any of the documents presented is different to the
name of the applicant or spouse/partner.
ƒ
Married
Provide a copy of your marriage certificate, issued by the
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
ƒ
Divorced
Provide a copy of your divorce certificate/decree nisi.
ƒ
Widowed
Provide a copy of the death certificate of your spouse/
partner, issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and
Marriages.
ƒ
Separated
Provide a statutory declaration with the following
information:
► the name of your former spouse/partner
► spouse/partner’s date of birth
► the date you were married or commenced your
de facto relationship
► the date you separated
► your former spouse/partner’s current
address (if known)
► a statement to the effect that you do not live
together and have no intention of resuming
cohabitation.
Provide evidence of separation (e.g. change of
residential address).
Transaction type
Evidence relating to the transaction
1. Contract to purchase a new home or an ‘off the plan’ new home
If lodging with an approved agent If lodging with OSR
ƒ
a copy of the contract for the sale of land dated
and signed by the vendor
ƒ
a statement from the vendor/vendor’s legal
representative or other evidence which shows that this
is the first sale of the home and that the home has
never been previously occupied since completion of
construction.
ƒ
a copy of the contract for the sale of land dated
and signed by the vendor
ƒ
a title search showing the applicant(s) as the
registered proprietor(s) (except for Terms Contracts)
ƒ
a statement from the vendor/vendor’s legal
representative or other evidence which shows that this
is the first sale of the home and that the home has
never been previously occupied since completion of
construction.
In addition, where the purchase is:
A Substantially renovated home is a home that
ƒ
Has been created through renovations in which all,
or substantially all of a building is removed or
replaced (whether or not the renovations involve the
removal or replacement of foundations, external
walls, interior supporting walls, floors or staircases),
and
ƒ
As renovated, has not been previously occupied or
sold as a place of residence
ƒ
Has been created through renovations in which all,
or substantially all of a building is removed or
replaced (whether or not the renovations involve the
removal or replacement of foundations, external
walls, interior supporting walls, floors or staircases),
and
ƒ
As renovated, has not been previously occupied or
sold as a place of residence

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From a related party or where there is no written contract
Application must be lodged with OSR ƒ a copy of the transfer dated and signed by all parties
ƒ
evidence that there was an eligible transaction for the
purchase of the property, (e.g. written statement from
the buyer and the seller stating the terms of the
agreement, the date the agreement was made and the
agreed purchase price)
ƒ
evidence that the consideration has been paid by
the applicant, (e.g. provide copies of bank
statements of the applicant showing the payment
(withdrawal) of the purchase money at settlement
and any copies of loan
agreements, solicitors instructions or receipts for payment
of the consideration)
ƒ
evidence of total value of the property (house and
land) dated within the last 12 months – attach one of
the following:
► copy of the stamped contract or transfer which
shows the dutiable amount in the stamping
details
► a copy of the property valuation by a suitably
qualified valuer a copy of the property valuation
obtained by your financial institution for the
approval of your loan
► a copy of a market appraisal by a registered
real estate agent.
2. Contract to build a home
If lodging with an approved agent If lodging with OSR
ƒ
a copy of the contract to build, dated and signed by
all parties
ƒ
evidence of unencumbered value (land only), attach
one of the following (where more than one is available,
please provide the most recent):
► a copy of a current valuation by a suitably
qualified valuer (includes bank valuation)
► a copy of a current stamped contract or transfer
for the purchase of the land.
ƒ
a copy of the contract to build, dated and signed by
all parties
ƒ
a copy of the occupation certificate or a Final
Inspection Certificate
ƒ
title search showing the applicant(s) as the
registered proprietor(s)
ƒ
evidence of unencumbered value (land only), attach
one of the following (where more than one is available,
please provide the most recent):
► a copy of a current valuation by a suitably
qualified valuer (includes bank valuation)
► a copy of a current stamped contract or transfer
for the purchase of the land.
3. Owner builder
If lodging with an approved agent If lodging with OSR
Owner builders must lodge their application with OSR ƒ a copy of the approval from council for the laying of
the foundations or receipt for foundations
ƒ
a copy of the occupation certificate or a Final
Inspection Certificate
ƒ
a copy of the documentary evidence of building costs
incurred for the construction of the home. The proof
submitted must total an amount equal to or greater
than the grant and must not include your own labour
costs
ƒ
title search showing the applicant(s) as the
registered proprietor(s)
ƒ
evidence of total value of the property (house and land)
as at completion of construction, attach one of the
following:
► a copy of the property valuation by a suitably
qualified valuer
► a copy of the property valuation obtained by
your financial institution for the approval of your
loan

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► a copy of a market appraisal by a registered
real estate agent.

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When will the grant be paid?
The date the grant is paid depends on whether you are building or
buying, and if you are applying through an approved agent or through
OSR.
The following table details the various scenarios:
Purchase of a new or off-the-plan home
If lodging with an approved agent If lodging with OSR
At date of settlement by approved
agent.
Within 15 working days of lodging a
complete application, after completion
of the eligible transaction.
Contract to build
If lodging with an approved agent If lodging with OSR
On date of first progress payment
by approved agent.
Within 15 working days of lodging a
complete application, after completion
of the eligible transaction.
Owner builder
If lodging with an approved agent If lodging with OSR
Must be lodged with OSR. Within 15 working days of lodging a
complete application, after completion
of the eligible transaction.
Terms contract
If lodging with an approved agent If lodging with OSR
Must be lodged with OSR. Within 15 working days of lodging a
complete application with evidence
that an applicant has taken up
occupation of the home, and the
residence requirement has been met.
When do I have to move in and for how long?
ƒ
At least one applicant must live in the home as their principal
place of residence for at least six continuous months commencing
within 12 months of completion of the eligible transaction.
Where an applicant was a member of the permanent forces of the
Australian Defence Force and all applicants were enrolled on the
NSW electoral roll, as at the commencement date of the eligible
transaction.
ƒ
It is the responsibility of the applicant to satisfy the Commissioner
that they have met the residence requirement. Applicants may be
required to verify this later by providing documentation supporting
their period of occupancy.
ƒ
Should you not meet the residence requirement, you must contact
OSR within 14 days after the period allowed for occupation, notifying
OSR in writing and repay the grant.

12 ofLODGEMENT GUIDE | First Home Owner Grant 2017
Common errors and misunderstandings
Some of the common errors and misunderstandings identified by the
OSR compliance activity are outlined below. This information is provided
to assist you to understand and meet your obligations.
ƒ
Failing to read and understand ALL of the eligibility criteria.
ƒ
Failing to read and understand the warnings and penalties
associated with lodging a false or misleading application.
ƒ
Failing to make the property the recipient’s principal place of residence.
ƒ
Failing to disclose previous names, including previous married name(s).
ƒ
Misunderstanding the residence requirements; for example, believing
that:
► as long as the grant property is left vacant for six months and
not leased, the residence requirements are met
► renovating the grant property whilst using another residence to
cook, shower, sleep, etc, complies with the residence
requirements
► living in the grant property for a period of less than six
months is acceptable without seeking the Commissioner’s
approval.
Commencing occupation of the home after the 12 month period
is acceptable without seeking the Commissioner's approval.
If you are unsure, please consult our website or contact OSR.