The time for eligible HomeBuilder applicants to submit supporting documentation has been extended to 30 June 2025. This applies to all application types.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to lodge all supporting documentation once available. Your grant will not be paid until all the necessary information is received.

The HomeBuilder program is closed to applications and will not reopen. Other HomeBuilder terms and conditions remain unchanged.

Can you finalise your application today and be paid the $25,000 or $15,000 HomeBuilder Grant?

If the building or renovation of your home has commenced and it started within 18 months of signing your comprehensive building contract or renovation contract, you may be eligible for full approval and payment of the grant. All documentation must be supplied by 30 June 2025. Find out more.

If the build or renovation is no longer proceeding, or your builder has advised that they will not meet the 18-month commencement date timeframe, please let us know and we will close your application. You can advise us by email to homebuildergrant@sa.gov.au along with your reference number and property address.

Please remember to regularly check your email junk/spam folders to ensure you do not miss correspondence from the HomeBuilder Grant team.

Applications for the HomeBuilder Grant closed on midnight, 14 April 2021

If you have submitted an application and need to provide additional documentation, please see I’ve submitted my application, how do I provide more documentation?

If you submitted your application prior to midnight on 14 April 2021 a confirmation email should have been received within 24 hours. Please check the junk folder on your email account if you have submitted an application and did not receive an email.

If you created an application through the online portal prior to 14 April 2021, you are able to continue your application by logging onto the online portal and submitting the application. You will then be able to upload the required documentation. Please note, all documentation must be received by RevenueSA no later than 30 June 2025 to be considered for the grant.

Please note that the Commissioner of State Taxation is not afforded any discretion to consider applications that were not created or submitted prior to 14 April 2021.

What is the HomeBuilder Grant?

The Australian Government's HomeBuilder Grant was announced on 4 June 2020 and is available in accordance with the First Home and Housing Construction Grants (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2020.

The HomeBuilder Grant is available to eligible owner-occupiers (including first home buyers) who build a new home, substantially renovate an existing home, or buy an off the plan/new home, where the contract is signed between 4 June 2020 and 31 March 2021 inclusive.

HomeBuilder Grants are not taxable.

The HomeBuilder Grant is subject to provisions of the National Partnership Agreement between the South Australian Government and the Commonwealth Government.

What is the HomeBuilder Grant amount?

The HomeBuilder Grant for building a new home, substantially renovating an existing home, or buying an off the plan/new home.

The amount available is:

  • $25,000 where the contract is signed between 4 June 2020 and 31 December 2020
  • $15,000 where the contract is signed between 1 January 2021 and 31 March 2021

Funding for the HomeBuilder Grant is provided by the Australian Government with an arrangement for the South Australian Government to administer applications and payments for the HomeBuilder Grant.

Subject to the eligibility criteria set out below, only one HomeBuilder Grant is payable for each property, even if the property changes ownership.

I have demolished my home. Is it a substantial renovation or new build?

If you own property (house and land) and demolished the house to rebuild on or after 4 June 2020, the application will be assessed against the eligibility criteria for a substantial renovation .

If the demolition occurred before 4 June 2020 (that is the property was vacant land as at 4 June 2020), the application will be assessed against the eligibility criteria for a new build.

What if I'm rebuilding my home that was destroyed in the 2019-20 South Australian Bushfires?

If your home was destroyed in the 2019-20 South Australian Bushfires, and you are rebuilding on your existing land, your application will be considered as a substantial renovation.

Property must be located within an area affected by the bushfires in the Local Government Areas of Adelaide Hills, Kangaroo Island, Mount Barker, Murray Bridge, Mid-Murray, Yorke Peninsula and Kingston District.

I’ve had to cancel my contract to build, will I still be eligible if I enter into a new contract?

If you entered into a contract to build on or after 4 June 2020, and subsequently have had to cancel that contract, you may still be eligible for the HomeBuilder Grant if you entered into a new contract to build between 1 January 2021 and 31 March 2021 (dates inclusive).

However, if the original contract was entered into between 4 June 2020 and 31 December 2020 (inclusively) and your new contract:

  • is with the same or different builder;
  • for the same, similar or different home or land; and
  • entered into between 1 January 2021 and 31 March 2021 (dates inclusive);

if eligible, you will only receive a $15,000 grant.

If this applies to you, and you have submitted an application, please email your new contract, brief explanation of why your contract was cancelled and your application ID to homebuildergrant@sa.gov.au

Where a builder enters into administration, receivership or liquidation, which results in work to be carried out under an eligible contract not being completed, any further contract under which the work is to be completed (that is, the replacement contract) is taken to be made at the date of the original contract and may be eligible for HomeBuilder, provided that the:

  • applicant had an executed build contract with a licenced builder for the construction
  • initial contract was signed between 4 June 2020 and 31 March 2021
  • scope of work is similar
  • price differences between the contracts would broadly reflect an increase in prices over the period between the original and replacement contract being signed.

Documentary evidence will be required to show that the builder has entered into administration, receivership or liquidation.

A similar approach will be  taken where the work under an eligible contract cannot be completed as a result of the death of the builder.

Does the building work need to be undertaken by a licenced builder?

Yes, the building work undertaken on your home must be undertaken by a person who currently holds a relevant licence as required under the Building Work Contractors Act 1995 (but not an owner builder) and held that licence on:

  • 4 June 2020 (for contracts signed between 4 June 2020 and 28 November 2020); or
  • 29 November 2020 (for contracts signed between 29 November 2020 and 31 March 2021).

See the Consumer and Business Services website to find out if a builder has a relevant licence.

Eligibility – the applicant(s):

The applicant(s):

All applicants must:

  • be a natural person (not a company or trust);
  • be at least 18 years of age at time of entering the eligible transaction;
  • be an Australian citizen at the time of application (permanent residents are not eligible for the HomeBuilder Grant);
  • not have previously received the HomeBuilder Grant in any other Australian state or territory;
  • meet the following income tests for the full   financial year of either 2018-19 or 2019-20:
    • individual applicant: taxable income of less than $125,000; or
    • couples: combined taxable income of less than $200,000.
  • own the land at the time a contract is entered into to build, buy or substantially renovate your home, or become the owner of the land on completion of the contract to build or buy the home.

Couples must be a legally married couple, a couple in a registered relationship (as defined in the Relationships Register Act 2016 (SA)), or a de facto couple living in a genuine domestic relationship. More information can be found at the website sa.gov.au/bdm or by contacting 131 882.

Applicants may be eligible for the temporary HomeBuilder Grant as well as the South Australian Government’s First Home Owner Grant for the same transaction, if the applicant(s) meets the eligibility criteria for both grants. The eligibility criteria for the First Home Owner Grant can be found on our First Home Owner Grant page.

HomeBuilder Grants are provided for properties that are owner-occupied. Investment properties are not eligible. Eligible owner-occupier(s) must be listed on the property’s certificate of title. The HomeBuilder Grant is not intended for properties where a tenant lives at the property owned by somebody else, or where a person lives in a dwelling that they own and that is situated on land owned by someone else (such as in land-lease communities and/or retirement villages).

What evidence must I provide to confirm my income?

You must provide an Australian Taxation Office Notice of Assessment for either the 2018-19 or 2019-20 financial year. Tax summaries, group certificates and payslips will not be accepted.

Example of 2018-19  Australian Taxation Office Notice of AssessmentExample of 2019-20  Australian Taxation Office Notice of Assessment

Click on image to view larger version

If you are applying as a couple, the notices of assessment must be for the same financial year.

You must black out (redact) your tax file number(s) before you upload your notice(s) of assessment.

If you are not required to lodge a tax return, please provided your non-lodgement advice issued by the Australian Taxation Office

Eligibility – the home:

The home:

The home must:

  • be located in South Australia;
  • be fixed to your land;
  • be able to be lawfully used as a place of residence; and
  • be a suitable building for use as a place of residence.

Eligibility – the contract:

The contract:

  • you must enter into a contract to build, buy or renovate between 4 June 2020 and 31 March 2021 (inclusive);
  • for an off the plan/new home purchase a sales contract rather than a building contract is eligible, but must meet the other eligibility criteria. Construction can have commenced prior to the date of the sales contract, however commencement must be on or after 4 June 2020.
  • the building work undertaken on your home must be undertaken by a person who currently holds a relevant licence as required under the Building Work Contractors Act 1995 (but not an owner builder) and held that licence on:
    • 4 June 2020 - for contracts signed between 4 June 2020 and 28 November 2020; or
    • 29 November 2020 - for contracts signed between 29 November 2020 and 31 March 2021;
  • no applicant is able to perform work under the contract, whether they are paid or not;
  • contracts must be made at arm’s length;
  • contract prices must be at market rates and cannot be artificially inflated or deflated; and
  • contracts cannot replace a previous transaction entered into before 4 June 2020 that is for the same or substantially similar home (or the same or substantially similar renovation) and is between substantially, or benefits substantially, the same parties.

Eligibility – the value of the property and the transaction:

The transaction and market value limits:

Transaction and market value limits apply as set out in the table below. Values are calculated as at the transaction date and are GST inclusive.

Transaction type

Transaction value limits

Contract to build (house and land package)

Consideration for the full house and land contract must be $750,000 or less.

Contract to build on land you already own

Combined consideration for the building contract and the market value of the land must be $750,000 or less.

Where the land you already own is primary production land and the proposed house site (including a reasonable area around the house, often known as curtilage) does not have a separate title, an independent market valuation by a Registered Valuer will be accepted in assessing the market value of the proposed house site land.

Substantial Renovation.
See the Eligibility – substantial renovations section below

Consideration for the contract must be between $150,000 and $750,000 inclusive.

Market value of the land (including the home) on the date the contract is signed is no more than $1,500,000.

Where the home that you are renovating or knocking down and rebuilding is on primary production land and is not on a separate title, an independent market valuation of the land relating to the house site (including the home and a reasonable area around the home, often known as curtilage) by a Registered Valuer will be accepted.

Contract to purchase an off the plan/new home

Consideration for the contract must be $750,000 or less.

Your property will be valued according to Information Circular No: 102 “Valuations of land, interests in land and land holder interests”. You should also refer to Information Circular No: 104 “Calculation of Market Value - Comprehensive Home Building Contract”, for guidance on how your property will be valued.

What happens if there is a change in transaction value?

If the value of your transaction changes from the amount you have declared on your application, and the new value causes you to breach the above limits, you must notify RevenueSA within 14 days of the date you become aware of the change. If you have already been paid the HomeBuilder Grant and the transaction value exceeds the above limits, you will be required to pay back the HomeBuilder Grant.

Eligibility – substantial renovations:

Substantial renovations:

Substantial renovation can be either:

  • making a considerable change to your home; or
  • demolishing your home and building a new home on the land.

Substantial renovations are taken to mean that the renovation will:

  • substantially alter the existing dwelling (although this need not involve removal or replacement of foundations, external walls, interior supporting walls, floors, roof or staircases); and
  • improve the accessibility, safety or liveability of the home (or land by building a new home).

Given these requirements, a substantial renovation does not generally include:

  • stand-alone granny flats, swimming pools, tennis courts, and structures not connected to the building such as outdoor spas, saunas, sheds or stand-alone garages; or
  • renovations that are primarily cosmetic in purpose such as landscaping, painting or recarpeting.

What do I need for a substantial renovation enquiry to be considered?

For consideration, a submission needs to be provided that outlines in detail what your entire renovation involves and a complete cost breakdown of the particular items that are included in the renovation.  You must provide a copy of the building contract or quote that specifies the scope of construction work to be performed. Submissions requesting our position on individual items are unable to be considered.

Timings

New build

To qualify for the HomeBuilder Grant, building your home must commence no later than 18 months after signing the building contract. Building is taken to have commenced when site works including excavation for the approved building works to the top of the base level is complete.

Commencement must be supported by evidence such as a statutory declaration from the builder or a mandatory notification form which is used to notify local councils of stages of work.  See I have received conditional approval, what documents do I need to provide for full approval and payment of the grant?.

Substantial renovations

The renovation of your home must commence no later than 18 months after signing the building contract. Building is taken to have commenced when the works under the renovation contract commence.

Commencement must be supported by evidence such as a statutory declaration from the builder or a mandatory notification form which is used to notify local councils of stages of work. See I have received conditional approval, what documents do I need to provide for full approval and payment of the grant?.

Off the plan/new home

Building of the home must have commenced on or after 4 June 2020 and no later than 18 months after signing the sales contract. Building is taken to have commenced when site works including excavation for the approved building works to the top of the base level is complete.

Commencement must be supported by evidence such as a statutory declaration from the builder or a mandatory notification form which is used to notify local councils of stages of work. See I have received conditional approval, what documents do I need to provide for full approval and payment of the grant?.

What do I need to provide to confirm building has commenced?

Commencement must be supported by evidence such as a statutory declaration from the builder or a mandatory notification form which is used to notify local councils of stages of work. See I have received conditional approval, what documents do I need to provide for full approval and payment of the grant?.

Do the footings of my build need to be poured within 18 months of signing my building contract?

No, building is taken to commence when site works including excavation for the approved building works to the top of the base level is complete within 18 months of the building contract being signed by the applicant and the builder.

Can I get an extension if building does not commence within 18 months of signing my building contract?

On 17 April 2021, the Australian Government announced it would extend the construction commencement requirements from 6 months to 18 months for all submitted applications (that is, for all contracts signed 4 June 2020 - 31 March 2021 inclusive).

The 18 month time limit is a strict requirement. The Commissioner has no discretion to provide any extensions beyond the 18 months.

Residency requirements

To qualify for the HomeBuilder Grant, you (and any other applicant to your HomeBuilder Grant application) must retain ownership of the property and occupy it as your principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months; and

for a new build:

  • commence the above period of occupation within 12 months of the date of construction completing, or

for a substantial renovation:

  • commence the above period of occupation immediately on completion of the renovation, or

for the purchase of a new home or an off the plan home:

  • commence the above period of occupation within 12 months of being listed on the certificate of title for the home.

Principal place of residence

"Principal place of residence" has been the subject of case law and is taken to be the place at which you usually eat and sleep the majority of the time and in any case more than at any other place.

Leaving personal property at a vacant residence does not meet these conditions.


What should you do if you cannot meet the above residency requirements?

You must notify RevenueSA and repay the HomeBuilder Grant within 14 days of the date you become aware you cannot meet the residency requirements. Checks that residency requirements have been met are routinely made by RevenueSA.

If you have genuine difficulties or complications in meeting the residency requirements please contact RevenueSA to discuss your situation. Where there are good reasons to do so, the Commissioner has the discretion to:

  • extend the 12 month period in which you must commence occupying your home; or
  • reduce the 6 month period for which you must occupy your home.

Where can I find more information?

More information in regard to the HomeBuilder Grant can be found in the following Commonwealth publications:

How do I apply?

Applications closed 14 April 2021

If you have submitted an application and need to provide additional documentation, please see I’ve submitted my application, how do I provide more documentation?

For first home buyers, information in regard to how to apply for the First Home Owner Grant can be found on our First Home Owner Grant page.

Could my financial institution apply on my behalf?

A financial institution (that is an approved agent) could apply on your behalf, if you provided them with authorisation to do so.

If your financial institution applied on your behalf, it remains your responsibility to ensure the information provided is accurate.

We will communicate with your financial institution regarding your application.

I've submitted my application, how do I provide more documentation?

While your application is pending in our online portal, you may re-enter at a later stage to upload additional information. If your application has progressed to the lodged stage, you will no longer be able to upload information in the online portal, but you can email this information to homebuildergrant@sa.gov.au (please ensure you include your application UIN).

Once your application has been reviewed by RevenueSA, if additional information is required, we will email you, outlining the information required to make an assessment on your application.

Payment will not be made until all required information is provided.

All documentation must be provided by 30 June 2025.

What documentation will I need to provide?

Evidence required for all applicants

  • Eligibility Condition(s)

    • Citizenship
    • Age (at least 18) at time of entering the eligible transaction
    • Natural person

    Evidence Required

    Proof of identification:

    • A copy of your Australian birth certificate, current Australian passport or Australian citizenship certificate.
    • A form of photo identification, such as an Australian driver's licence or South Australian Proof of Age card (not needed if you have provided a copy of your Australian passport).
    • Evidence of a change of name (for example, change of name certificate, statutory declaration) if the name on any of the documents presented is different to the name of the applicant.
  • Eligibility Condition(s)

    Income caps met:

    • Less than $125,000 for individual; or
    • Less than $200,000 for a couple

    Evidence Required

    You must black out (redact) your tax file number(s) before you upload your notice(s) of assessment.

  • Eligibility Condition(s)

    The builder must be licensed/registered on or before:

    • 4 June 2020 (for contracts signed on or before 28 November 2020)
    • 29 November 2020 (for contracts signed on or after 29 November 2020)

    Evidence Required

    A copy of the builder’s valid licence/registration

  • Additional evidence required for new builds

  • Eligibility Condition(s)

    Property value (house and land) does not exceed   $750,000.

    Evidence Required

    If house and land purchased on or after 4 June 2020:

    • a copy of the relevant house and land contract(s)

    If land purchased prior to 4 June 2020:

    • a copy of the land acquisition contract; and
    • a copy of the building contract; and
    • a copy of the certificate of title (if available)
  • Eligibility Condition(s)

    • Construction to commence within 18 months of contract date
    • Evidence payment milestones have been met

    Evidence Required

    • Building contract;
    • First progress invoice (including variations);
    • Land purchase contract if land purchased prior to 4 June 2020; and
    • Statutory declaration from the builder or a mandatory notification form which is used to notify local councils of stages of work.
  • Additional evidence required for substantial renovations

  • Eligibility Condition(s)

    • Building contract value is between $150,000 and $750,000; and
    • Property value (house and land) pre-renovation does not exceed $1.5 million.

    Evidence Required

    • A copy of the building contract; and
    • A copy of the certificate of title (if available)
  • Eligibility Condition(s)

    • Construction to commence within 18 months of contract date
    • HomeBuilder Grant to be paid following at least $150,000 paid for renovation.

    Evidence Required

    • Renovation contract;
    • The date of first invoice (excluding deposit);
    • Copies of payment receipts demonstrating that at least $150,000 of the renovation contract has been paid to the   registered/licensed builder under the contract; and
    • Statutory declaration from the builder or a mandatory notification form which is used to notify local councils of stages of work.
  • Additional evidence required for off the plan/new homes

  • Eligibility Condition(s)

    Property value does not exceed $750,000

    Evidence Required

    A copy of the sales contract

  • Eligibility Condition(s)

    • Construction to commence within 18 months of contract date
    • Evidence payment milestones have been met

    Evidence Required

    • Purchase contract;
    • Evidence that building commenced on or after 4 June 2020 (Statutory declaration from the builder or a mandatory notification form which is used to notify local councils of stages of work); and
    • Evidence of registration of property title in the applicant(s) name and the practical completion certificate from the builder.
  • When will I know if my application is successful?

    RevenueSA will write to applicants advising whether their application has been approved or declined.

    If you have not commenced construction when you apply and you meet all of the other eligibility criteria you may be provided conditional approval and will need to provide evidence that construction has commenced within 18 months of the signing of the contract in order to receive final approval and payment.

    What documents do I need to provide for full approval and payment of the grant?

    If construction has commenced and you are ready for your application to be assessed for full approval, please email the following documents (in one email, where possible) to homebuildergrant@sa.gov.au (quoting your reference number):

    For comprehensive home building contracts, please provide:

    • Official invoice from your builder for the footings/first progress payment.
    • Official receipt from your builder confirming the invoice has been paid.

    If your first progress payment invoice is not dated within 18 months of the date you signed your contract, please also provide:

    • Documentary evidence confirming when construction commenced, for example, mandatory notification to council from the builder, or a statutory declaration signed by the builder stating site works including excavation for the approved building works to the top of the base level is complete.

    For substantial renovations (including knock down-rebuilds), please provide:

    • Copy of both official invoices and receipts showing that $150,000 of eligible building work as per the building contract has been paid to the builder.

    If your invoice is not dated within 18 months of the date you signed your contract, please also provide:

    • Documentary evidence confirming when construction commenced, for example, mandatory notification to council from the builder, or a statutory declaration signed by the builder stating site works including excavation for the approved building works to the top of the base level is complete.

    For an off-the-plan home purchase, please provide:

    • A copy of the certificate of title in the applicant's name(s).
    • Documentary evidence confirming when construction commenced, for example, mandatory notification to council from the builder, or a statutory declaration signed by the builder stating site works including excavation for the approved building works to the top of the base level is complete.
    • Practical completion certificate from the developer.

    For a new home purchase, please provide:

    • A copy of the certificate of title in the applicant's name(s).
    • Documentary evidence confirming when construction commenced, for example, mandatory notification to council from the builder, or a statutory declaration signed by the builder stating site works including excavation for the approved building works to the top of the base level is complete.
    • Handover statement/invoice from the builder confirming when the home was completed.
    • A written statement from the vendor confirming that your purchase represented the first sale of a new home which had not previously been occupied as a place of residence.

    You must supply all required documentation before 30 June 2025 but are encouraged to submit once you have all your documentation available. Please note, your builder will be able to provide you with the above documentation, however it is not your builders responsibility to submit to RevenueSA on your behalf.

    Your grant will not be paid until all necessary information is received.

    A condition of the grant is that you must retain ownership of the property and occupy it as your principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months within 12 months of the date construction was completed.

    My builder has sent me a letter advising that my new home is 'Ok to Start'.  Do I send this letter to RevenueSA as evidence that construction of my new home has commenced?


    No, building is taken to have commenced when site works, including excavation for the approved building works to the top of the base level, is complete. This 'Ok to Start' letter is not a confirmation that construction has commenced.

    Commencement must be supported by evidence such as:

    • a statutory declaration signed by the builder stating site works including excavation for the approved building works to the top of the base level is complete; or
    • a mandatory notification form which is used to notify local councils of stages of work.

    Such evidence should be forwarded with your other supporting documentation for payment.  If your footings have been poured within 18 months of signing your contract, you do not need to provide separate evidence of commencement of your build.

    When will payment be made?

    The HomeBuilder Grant will only be paid to eligible applicants once RevenueSA is satisfied that you meet all the eligibility criteria.

    When the HomeBuilder Grant will be paid will also depend on whether your application relates to a new build, a substantial renovation or an off the plan/new home contract:

    New build

    The HomeBuilder Grant will be paid after construction has commenced and evidence is submitted which shows that the first progress payment has been made to the builder

    Substantial renovations

    The HomeBuilder Grant will be paid after construction has commenced and evidence is submitted showing payments of a least $150,000 of the contract price have been made to the builder

    Off the plan/new home

    The HomeBuilder Grant will be paid after evidence is submitted showing that the property has been registered in your name on the certificate of title.

    How will payment be made?

    The HomeBuilder Grant will be paid into your nominated financial institution account when all eligibility criteria have been met. This account must be an Australian account (for example, a savings account, a loan account, a debit account).

    What can I do if my application is not approved?

    You may lodge an objection if your HomeBuilder Grant application is declined and you do not agree with the Commissioner’s decision. Objections must be lodged within 60 days of the date on the letter advising you of the decision. Before lodging an objection, please refer to the Objections and Appeals page.

    What should I do if I do not think I should have received the HomeBuilder Grant?

    If you think that you should not have received a HomeBuilder Grant, you must contact RevenueSA to discuss the situation and repay the funds you received. Depending on your circumstances, a payment arrangement may be available to repay the funds.

    Who audits the payment of the HomeBuilder Grant?

    RevenueSA audits all HomeBuilder Grant applications for compliance with the eligibility and residency criteria. Should RevenueSA contact you during an audit, it is a condition of receiving the HomeBuilder Grant that you must provide all information requested.

    You must advise RevenueSA within 14 days if you cease to use the property as your principal place of residence.

    You may be required to repay the HomeBuilder Grant, the First Home Owner Grant (if applicable) and any penalties imposed if:

    • you do not provide all the information requested by RevenueSA during an investigation;
    • you provide false or misleading information to RevenueSA; or
    • RevenueSA finds you should not have received the HomeBuilder Grant or you did not meet the principal place of residence requirements.

    Media Releases

    Where can I find more information?

    If you have a specific question, not answered on this page, please contact RevenueSA at homebuildergrant@sa.gov.au


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