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The Rudd government's announcement of an increase in the First Home Buyers Grant up to the tune of $21,000 for newly built homes is a very welcome initiative for the building sector, and will help to pull the sector out of a downward slide. According to Prime Minister Rudd good performance in the housing sector is critical for the economy’s overall performance. The increase for first home buyers receiving the grant will provide an incentive to now consider buying or building a first home, following the slowdown in activity from recent tough times.

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Instant gratification through over use of the handy plastic could be a luxury of the past for Generation Y as they struggle to get into the housing market because they are laden with debt.  Despite recent interest rate cuts Gen Y are focussed on paying off debts, particularly credit cards with many moving home to help them get ahead. Are they the new ‘middle-class poor’?

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According to a survey of Australia’s largest banks the launch of the Government's new First Home Saver accounts has been well received with higher than expected interest measured by the volume of phone enquiries and the number of new accounts opened. However it pays to check out the differing rates, as the Consumer group Choice warns that not all First Home Saver Accounts are equal, with each bank offering different interest rates and calculating interest in different ways.

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First Home Saver Accounts are designed to help you own a home sooner, by offering a better way to save a deposit for your first home.

Aspiring first home buyers can now take advantage of the government's new First Home Saver account scheme, which launched on 1st October 2008.
 
"We promised to take action on housing affordability, so it's great to see these First Home Saver accounts will provide real help to hundreds of thousands of young Australians trying to buy their first home," Treasurer Wayne Swan said today.

"First Home Saver accounts are a practical way for young people to save a bigger deposit for a modest first home."

What is a first home saver account?

Offering a lower rate of tax on interest earned (similar to superannuation), and Government contributions to boost savings, First Home Saver accounts can help would-be first home buyers achieve their savings goal for a deposit on their first home sooner, bringing the dream of homeownership closer to reality.

First Home saver accounts offer:

• Bonus money from the Government - Savings up to $5,000 in a financial year are matched by the Government pitching in 17% on top. So for every $1,000 saved you could receive another $170 into your First Home Saver account, up to a maximum of $850 each year.
• Interest earned is taxed at a low rate – Interest or earnings on the savings in a First Home Saver account are taxed at just 15%, not at your marginal tax rate like in a regular bank account or managed investment.

First home saver accounts have been designed by the government to provide a special way to save to buy or build your first home, by taking advantage of government contributions to your savings and a lower rate of tax on your interest or earnings. You can learn more about how First Home Saver accounts work and all the rules that apply, for instance savings can only be used to buy or build a home that you will live in (not for investment property), and only after you have saved for at least 4 financial years.

To calculate the savings potential a First Home Saver account has over regular savings accounts check out the First Home Saver account calculator.

Who is providing First Home Saver accounts?

From 1st October 2008, different types of financial institutions can offer first home saver accounts:

• Deposit style accounts - offered by banks, credit unions and building societies
• Market-linked investment accounts - offered by super funds, life insurance companies and friendly societies.

Some of the major banks along with several credit unions are already on board, and it’s expected that super funds and others will also be offering First Home Saver accounts in the near future.

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), provides a current list of first home saver account providers.

You can sign up to our FREE Home Saver Alert to stay up to date.