NSW updates FHB scheme to include domestic violence victims

Pending a NSW state election win in March, domestic violence (DV) survivors who are already home owners would be ‘reclassified’ as a first home buyer (FHB) to allow access to both the First Home Buyer Choice and First Home Buyer Assistance schemes, the government announced officially on Saturday (28 January).

The NSW Opposition was quick to back the idea as well albeit flagging its own tailored version.

Support group Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW) said it will “keep an eye on both parties” following the promises to “remove barriers” to ‘victim-survivors’ becoming first home buyers.

“Domestic Violence New South Wales certainly welcomes any financial barriers being removed from women fleeing domestic and family violence so they can rebuild their lives,” CEO Ms Donovan told Mortgage Business.

“However, we would like to see much more. We would like to see much more of an obligation around social housing."

Ms Donovan ultimately described the concept as “positive” given financial arrangements can be "really complex”.

“It might be that the person using violence is the one that has access to all the finance,” she explained.

“We’re really, really supportive of stamp duty [removal] and we know that there’s so many barriers when you’re leaving a violent relationship and women really suffer in terms of that kind of those financial barriers.”

While the news was welcomed, Ms Donovan said she wanted to see the election promises alongside upped social housing commitments.

“Though not everyone is a home owner, we want to make sure that every facet of our society is considered when we’re thinking about making these announcements — particularly those that need a housing pathway via social housing,” she explained.

“So [what] we really want to see … [is] 5,000 new social and affordable homes every year in New South Wales for the next 10 years. That’s something we really want to see from government.”

DVNSW is a state peak body representing “anybody who is affected by domestic and family violence,” Ms Donovan explained.

“Unfortunately stats don’t lie and obviously domestic and family violence disproportionately affects women more than men [but] we hope that any announcement considers working with men, boys, women girls, and everyone,” Ms Donovan said.

The plan in focus

As announced, a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals government will provide victim-survivors of domestic violence with access to first home buyer support and interest-free rental bond loans to help them rebuild their lives.

Under the initiative, the government will provide access to both the First Home Buyer Choice and First Home Buyer Assistance schemes and waive the Rentstart Bond Loan eligibility criteria for people leaving domestic violence.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said these reforms would help remove major barriers to housing at a time when people needed it most.

“We want to make it easier for those people leaving an abusive relationship to be able to rebuild their lives, as well as the lives of their children,” Mr Perrottet said.

“One of the most important first steps is securing a safe home, which is why we will make all of our first home buyer concessions available so they’re able to access a stamp-duty concession or opt-in to pay a land tax instead.

“We will also make interest-free loans available to cover the bond on a private rental, ensuring they can quickly secure a new home by removing a potential financial barrier.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said a re-elected Liberal Nationals government would legislate changes to expand the criteria of the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme and First Home Buyer Choice.

“Under the changes, victim-survivors will be able to access stamp duty exemptions and concessions the same way first home buyers can, even if they have previously owned property with a former partner,” Mr Kean said.

“It’s a small change that can make a big difference to helping victim-survivors buy a home to call their own.”

Opposition support for the idea overall

NSW shadow minister for women and the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault, Jodie Harrison, added: “NSW Labor has made clear that when good ideas are [on] the table, we will back them. We did it yesterday, ensuring that if Labor is elected we would ensure victims of domestic and family violence will be able to access First Home Buyer concessions, and rental bond loans.

“We support the policy announced today — noting we have taken a more ambitious policy to two elections.”

If you’re based in NSW and are in a domestic violence situation, or worried about a friend or loved one, contact:

Domestic Violence NSW

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(02) 9698 9777

OR

1800 Respect

1800 737 732

[Related: Thousands of FHBs register for NSW shared equity]