Master Builders Australia has welcomed the decision by the Albanese Government to extend the application deadline for the HomeBuilder scheme and appreciates the federal, state and territory governments’ efforts to allow existing applicants who would miss the deadline of 30 April 2023 would have until 30 June 2025.

Weather disruptions and constraints in the supply chain including labour and material shortages have caused unprecedented delays to building timelines Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn says.

“We have seen the average time it takes to build a home shift from nine to over 12 months,” she says.‌

“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.

“We thank Minister Julie Collins for listening to the concerns of builders and the community so Australians are not missing out on the opportunity to have their home building dreams become a reality.”

She adds that HomeBuilder effectively saved businesses and jobs during the height of the pandemic and was an appropriate support measure.

“Families rightfully seized the opportunity to enter the home ownership market and it’s only fair that these projects can be followed through to completion.”