I am separated and never received First Home Owner’s Grant. Do I qualify?

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Q. I’m 56 years old, separated and I want to buy a unit. My husband brought a house before we met. When we brought a house together we were not entitled to the first home buyers grant because he used it when he brought his first house. My question is: am I entitled to the grant, because I have never technically had one.

Josie’s answer: I can understand why you are keen to explore the possibility of obtaining the first home owners grant which is currently $7,000. It would certainly help to buy the unit you are interested in purchasing.

The First Home Owner’s grant is a Federal government initiative and administered by each State and Territory. From my understanding of the rules, if your ex-husband owned a home before you were married, technically you did not hold a relevant interest, i.e. your name was not on the title deed.

Therefore you would be entitled to the $7,000 grant. It states further, provided that you have not had a relevant interest in a previous residential property and all other eligibility criteria have been met, you may still be eligible.

Before you get excited about the possibility of qualifying, you mention that you ‘bought a house together’.

Consequently, you have held a relevant interest in a residential property and as a result, would not be eligible for the grant. I would go the following website for more information http://www.firsthome.gov.au.

Good luck and wishing Happy Money Organisation. Josie Kay

Don’t forget that the above information is general in nature and not specific to your goals and objectives. It is recommended that you seek personal financial advice specific to your needs.

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