Buying a home - MoneySmart

Buying your first home is both exciting and nerve-wracking. It is a major decision that takes lots of planning and research, and careful budgeting. Follow the MoneySmart tips to help you get started.

http://www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/life-events/buying-a-home

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 provides a $7000 benefit to eligible applicants. This site provides links to the various revenue offices who are responsible for administering the grant in their respective jurisdictions.

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

Housing Affordability Fund (HAF)

The Housing Affordability Fund (HAF) is a government proposal to improve the supply of new housing and make housing more affordable for home buyers entering the market.

http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/about-fahcsia/publications-articles/corporate-publications/budget-and-additional-estimates-statements/2008-09-budget/factsheets/HousingAffordabilityFundFS14

Mortgage calculator

The MoneySamrt mortgage calculator shows how much you can afford to borrow and what your home loan repayments will be. It can also show your repayments if interest rates change.

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/calculators-and-tools/mortgage-calculator

Property - tax information

Your home is generally exempt from tax. If you have an investment property, build or renovate for profit, or use a property in the running of a business, there may be implications for income tax, capital gains tax and goods and services tax (GST).

http://www.ato.gov.au/corporate/pathway.aspx?pc=001/001/047&alias=property