Member for Barker Tony Pasin has welcomed the introduction of legislation into Parliament to reduce pressure on housing affordability for first home buyers and downsizers.The First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS), announced in this year’s Budget, will give first home savers the ability to accelerate their savings by at least 30 per cent.

First home buyers will be able to save for a house deposit within their superannuation by making voluntary contributions of up to $15,000 per year and $30,000 in total into their superannuation account.

These contributions, which are taxed at the discounted rate of 15 per cent, along with deemed earnings, can be withdrawn for a deposit from 1 July next year. Withdrawals will be taxed at marginal tax rates less a 30 per cent offset.

With many Australians now entering the housing market later in life, this initiative will encourage first home buyers to save for a deposit more quickly.

Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, Michael Sukkar, said, “For most people, the First Home Super Saver Scheme will allow them to save for a deposit 30 per cent faster than saving through a standard deposit account.”

Mr Pasin said, “It is disappointing that the Labor Opposition have indicated they will not support the First Home Super Saver Scheme, which is essentially a tax cut for first home buyers, choosing to reject the generous tax concessions and instead implement a disastrous housing tax which will drive up rents, making it harder to save for a deposit.”

The Government has also introduced legislation to allow older Australians to contribute the proceeds of the sale of their family home to superannuation.

From 1 July 2017, people aged over 65 will be able to make an additional non-concessional contribution of up to $300,000 into superannuation when they sell their home which they’ve held for at least 10 years. Both members of a couple can take advantage of this measure, meaning up to $600,000 of contributions may be made by a couple.

Assistant Minister Sukkar said, “This measure will encourage people who may have been put off by downsizing because of the existing restrictions and caps, and in turn free up larger homes for growing families.”

“These measures, combined with the broader housing affordability package announced in the Budget, demonstrate real action from the Turnbull Government to reduce housing affordability pressures for all Australians,” Mr Pasin said.

Further information on the First Home Super Saver Scheme is available at: http://www.budget.gov.au/2017-18/content/glossies/factsheets/html/HA_14.htm.

Further information on reducing barriers to downsizing is available at: http://www.budget.gov.au/2017-18/content/glossies/factsheets/html/HA_15.htm

First Home Buyers can also get an indication of how the scheme can benefit them by visiting: www.budget.gov.au/estimator.

 

 

Additional quotes from Sylvia Persepio of First National Real Estate Murray Bridge;

“I can see aspiring first home buyers in regional areas like Murray Bridge using a scheme like this to help save for a deposit. Murray Bridge has a very high rental market but at the same time there are some affordable houses perfect for first home buyers. This might be the additional help young people need to get the deposit together,” Ms Persepio said.

 

Contact: Charlotte Edmunds – 8531 2466