Bridging Finance: A short-term loan that covers a financial shortfall during time between the purchase of a new property and the sale of an old property.
NSW Cracks Down on Abuse of First-Home Buyer Benefits
NSW Cracks Down on Abuse of First-Home Buyer Benefits
3
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
More than $9 million has been reclaimed in a concerted effort by Revenue NSW to ensure the first-home buyers program remains fair and effective.
This initiative comes in response to a small group of applicants attempting to exploit the system meant to aid genuine first-time homebuyers.
Through focused investigations, the compliance team at Revenue NSW identified and recovered $9.44 million that had been misappropriated by non-compliant applicants. These investigations were carried out with precision, targeting those who attempted to circumvent the laws of the first-home buyers program.
In the inaugural year of the expanded program, 33,365 first-time buyers either completely evaded stamp duty or received a discounted rate. With current thresholds, first-home purchases under $1 million qualify for these benefits, easing the financial burden for new homeowners.
The rules of the program stipulate that first-home buyers must occupy their new property within a year and maintain continuous residence for at least twelve months. This requirement saw 718 investigations initiated in the 2023/24 period, leading to 422 individuals having their stamp duty relief revoked or reduced. These 422 cases account for less than 1.3% of all successful applications.
Selection for investigation is far from random, relying on a sophisticated data-matching system that flags potential non-compliance. Data sources include the NSW Government Rental Bonds Board and federal institutions like the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Taxation Office.
In some instances, tenant referrals trigger investigations. For example, suspicions may arise when tenants are asked to keep utility accounts in the owner's name. Such red flags prompt further scrutiny by the compliance team.
Revenue NSW’s compliance team comprises experts with decades of investigative experience from both public and private sectors. Their collaborative expertise ensures the first-home buyers program is correctly targeted to provide much-needed financial relief, while maintaining rigorous compliance checks.
This initiative reflects the shift under the Minns Labor Government, replacing the old Liberal-National Government policies with a more focused and larger threshold, benefiting over 18,000 new homebuyers who might have otherwise missed out under the previous scheme.
Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos emphasizes the importance of supporting new homeowners amid current economic challenges. "At a time of a cost-of-living crisis, the Minns Labor Government is committed to providing real relief to first-home buyers. This program is clearly working, helping more than 30,000 people into their first homes. Revenue NSW’s compliance team is ensuring that only those eligible for the scheme are able to use it."
Furthermore, Chief Commissioner of State Revenue Scott Johnston lauds their efforts, stating, "We’re very proud of our compliance team and the excellent work they do. Revenue NSW’s compliance programs are essential to maintaining the integrity of our programs. Our team works tirelessly to make sure the first-home buyers program is accessible to everyone who needs it, and that people who aren’t eligible don’t try to game the system."
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest bank by market value, has reported a modest increase in its first-quarter cash profit for 2025. This uptick is primarily attributed to robust growth in home loans and household deposits. The unaudited cash profit stands at approximately A$2.6 billion, marking a 1% rise from the previous two-quarter average and a 2% increase compared to the same period last year. - read more
Australia's leading banks-Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Westpac, National Australia Bank (NAB), and ANZ-are actively reducing their dependence on mortgage brokers. This strategic shift aims to bolster profit margins that have been under pressure due to lower interest rates, rising operational costs, and intense market competition. - read more
In November 2025, Australian consumer sentiment has turned optimistic for the first time since early 2022, marking a significant shift in public economic perception. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute survey indicates a 12.8% increase in the consumer sentiment index, reaching 103.8. A reading above 100 suggests that more consumers are optimistic than pessimistic. - read more
Loan Market Group's (LMG) Asset Finance Exchange (AFX) has achieved approximately $80 million in settlements within its inaugural year, underscoring the robust growth of Australia's asset finance market. The platform connects mortgage brokers with asset finance specialists, facilitating streamlined access to asset finance solutions. - read more
National Australia Bank (NAB) has reported a cash profit of A$7.09 billion (US$4.6 billion) for the year ending September 30, 2025, reflecting a stable financial performance. Despite this, CEO Andrew Irvine has identified the housing crisis as Australia's most pressing societal and policy challenge, advocating for expedited decision-making to stimulate economic growth and enhance housing availability. - read more
Welcome to our guide on avoiding common mistakes when consolidating debts. We're glad you're here, as taking the time to educate yourself is a crucial step towards financial well-being. - read more
Managing debt is a crucial aspect of maintaining financial well-being, yet it can often feel like a daunting task. Understanding how debt works and its potential impact on your life is the first step toward gaining control of your finances. In this section, we will delve into the intricacies of debt and outline why a solid financial strategy is essential for effective debt management. - read more
In light of the current economic challenges facing many Australians, managing credit card debt has become more crucial than ever. With rising living costs and financial uncertainty, accruing debt on high-interest credit cards can quickly escalate from a manageable inconvenience to a stressful financial burden. - read more
High-interest debt can feel like a relentless cycle for many in Australia, often making it challenging to gain financial ground. Whether it's credit card debt, personal loans, or other forms of borrowing, the compounded interest can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, debt negotiation presents a viable solution for those caught in this dilemma, offering a ray of hope to reduce financial burden. - read more
Welcome to our comprehensive guide where we aim to debunk common myths surrounding debt consolidation and debt reduction. This blog post serves as a beacon of clarity for those who find themselves navigating through the choppy waters of financial jargon and conflicting information. - read more
