24 Jan 2018 Benalla Ensign, Benalla VIC (General News) The state government is making it easier for Victorians in rural or regional areas to build and own their first home. State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said as of July 1, last year, the First Home Owner Grant which applies to all newly constructed homes was doubled in regional Victoria from $10 000 to $20 000. Benalla has had nine successful applications for first home-buyer grants since that point. In Northern Victoria, the City of Wodonga (82) has led the charge, Greater Shepparton (41) Mildura Rural City (37), Mitchell Shire (35), Moira Shire (16), Strathbogie Shire, Wangaratta Rural City local government areas each totalling (nine), Swan Hill Rural City (eight), Murrindindi Shire (seven), and Alpine Shire, Indigo Shire and Mansfield Shire recording (four) each. The increased grant is available to firsthome buyers building new homes valued up to $750 000. Labors initiative is giving first-home buyers in Northern Victoria a chance to enter the property market and own their dream home in country Victoria, Ms Symes said. Labor is helping families to stay in their home town and is also providing incentives to attract people to move to country Victoria. She said the Labor Government was making it easier for people in country Victoria to build and live in their own community, as well as boosting local construction jobs and development. Labor also abolished stamp duty for firsthome buyers purchasing new and existing homes up to $600 000, and discounted stamp duty up to $750 000. In the six-month period between July 1 and December 31, more than 9700 firsthome buyers across the state paid no stamp duty, while another 2000 paid reduced stamp duty. The grant will be applicable to contracts signed from now until June 30, 2020. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.