FHOG may change to offset green housing costs
The Federal Government is considering a revamp of the First Home Owners Grant scheme in the May Budget to offset the cost of a new energy-efficient building code, the Australian Financial Review reports.
It says Prime Minister Kevin Rudd wants the Council of Australian Governments to agree to a national building code which includes strong energy standards. This would require the states to ensure all new houses have a six-star energy rating by next year.
The cost is expected to be offset by measures in the upcoming Budget, including a possible option to reshape the FHOG in favour of green housing.
“The housing industry has been working with federal and state governments on how to offset the cost of new energy requirements,” the AFR reports. “The FHOG is likely to be overhauled in the May Budget.”
