- A new planning system is being introduced on 19 March
- HomeBuilder applications will be assessed on the existing system - even if submitted after 19 March
- 9,500 applications have been received so far
The South Australian Government has announced new regulations that it says will streamline the planning approvals process for those building homes under HomeBuilder.
Under the new regulations, HomeBuilder applications will be assessed against existing policies despite a new planning system coming into effect on 19 March – before the March 31 deadline for Homebuilder.
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall says the changes give confidence to those seeking grants, adding that 9,500 applications have been received.
“Our regulation changes will give applicants the confidence they need to go full steam ahead with planning and designing their dream home,”
“The HomeBuilder scheme is already creating local jobs and work for tradespeople, and we anticipate this will continue for the next 12 months as new houses are being built.”
Steven Marshall, SA Premier
Successful HomeBuilder applicants can access existing Residential Code provisions until 1 July 2021.
Vickie Chapman, Minister for Planning and Local Government, says this will ensure applicants don’t miss out.
“As we approach the HomeBuilder cut off, we are anticipating a flurry of last minute applications,
“In order to provide continuity of applications and reduce the burden on the new system, the scheme will roll over the existing Residential Code policies for a short period, to make sure housing designs already subject to signed contracts will be assessed against the same rules as when those contracts were signed.”
Vickie Chapman, Minister for Planning and Local Government
The transitional agreement applies to applications that are located in areas covered under the Residential Code – which includes areas such as Mount Barker and Angle Vale that have high HomeBuilder application volumes – alongside applications that are being assessed by RevenueSA for the HomeBuilder grant funding.
Ms Chapman further added that 8,000 homes are built each year in South Australia.