Defence Housing Australia (residential property investment)

Defence Housing Australia (DHA) is responsible for providing housing solutions to members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families. To fund its operations, each year DHA sells a limited number of properties to investors under a leaseback arrangement. The site outlines DHA residential property investment and its benefits.

http://invest.dha.gov.au/

First Home Owner Grant

The First Home Owner Grant scheme is a joint Australian and State Government initiative to help first home owners. The grant provides a $7000 benefit to eligible applicants. Each State and Territory Revenue Office is responsible for administering the grant in their respective jurisdiction. This site includes links to the various revenue offices.

http://www.firsthome.gov.au/

First home owners boost

The First Home Owners Boost temporarily doubles the existing First Home Owners Scheme grant on existing homes and triples the existing grant for new homes. First home buyers who sign contracts to purchase or construct a new home between 14 October 2008 and 30 June 2009 (inclusive) will receive the First Home Owners Boost. In the case of owner-builders, construction must have commenced during this period. While the First Home Owners Boost will no longer be available after 31 December 2009, the $7000 First Home Owner Grant will continue.

http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/housing/payments/Pages/FirstHomeOwnersBoost.aspx

First home saver account

If you're saving to buy or build your first home then a first home saver account may suit you. You could take advantage of a government contribution to your savings and a lower rate of tax on your interest or earnings.

http://www.fido.gov.au/firsthomesaver

Housing affordability fund (HAF)

The Housing Affordability Fund (HAF) is a Government initiative to streamline development approval processes and reduce infrastructure charges and regulatory costs.

http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/housing/progserv/affordability/haf/Pages/default.aspx

Links to useful information for individuals and communities on housing

Community.gov.au is a portal to information for individuals and community organisations across Australia. In this section you will find links to housing related information including the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) and emergency accommodation.

http://www.community.gov.au/Internet/MFMC/Community.nsf/pages/section?opendocument&Section=Housing

Managing your mortgage

Provides some practical steps for home owners to take if they are experiencing difficulty meeting mortgage repayments and may consider selling their home.

http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/ManagingYourMortgage/