The federal government has extended the HomeBuilder deadline to support existing applicants who have been impacted by supply constraints and construction industry delays.

Eligible existing applicants will now have until 30 June 2025 rather than 30 April 2023 to provide supporting documentation to states and territories.

The extension will only apply to existing, already approved HomeBuilder applicants who had received formal approval under the scheme for off-the-plan purchases or renovations.

This will support existing, already approved applicants who had entered into financial commitments on the basis they would receive the grant but through no fault of their own were affected by supply constraints and construction industry delays.

“Too many Australians stood to miss out on support they believed they would receive, through no fault of their own,” Federal Minister for Housing Julie Collins said.

“This decision will not cost the Budget, but it will ease the burden on families right across the country who are relying on this grant.

“A perfect storm has led to a blow out in construction timeframes right across the country.”

The Minister said average construction timeframes for off-the-plan units have grown to more than two years.

This has led to lengthy delays, meaning thousands of Homebuilder applicants who had purchased off-the-plan apartments stood to miss out on support they believed they would receive.

Applications for HomeBuilder closed in April 2021, with state and territories administering the scheme on behalf of the Commonwealth.

The decision was welcomed by Master Builders Australia and Property Council of Australia.

“The extension allows builders to ensure there’s adequate time to deliver on projects during a time that has seen a perfect storm of pressures in the industry,” Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said.