16/3/01
Housing Minister Tom Stephens today re-assured home buyers that there was a plentiful supply of reasonably priced housing land available for first homebuyers from Landstart.
"Landstart, the division of the Ministry of Housing charged with ensuring ample residential land is available, has advised me that there will be over 1,000 serviced blocks immediately available in the metropolitan area and a good supply in the pipeline," Mr Stephens said.
"Landstart is there to ensure a supply of reasonably-priced land, with the emphasis on first home buyers.
"Through its various programs, New Living, redevelopment and joint ventures, I am confident that anyone wanting to take advantage of the increased First Home Owners Grant will have a choice of affordable land or land and house packages."
The Federal Government last week announced it would double the $7,000 First Home Owners Grant to $14,000 for new homes.
Mr Stephens said that under Keystart, the mortgage loan scheme introduced by the Labor Government in 1989, those qualifying for the $14,000 grant would be allowed to use it as an upfront deposit for a land and house package.
Landstart director Lou D'Alessandro said all areas of New Living - the Ministry's big urban renewal scheme - had land available, as well as refurbished homes.
"Landstart has serviced land available in approximately 30 areas around the metropolitan area," Mr D'Alessandro said.
"For those who want to live in established areas, there are many blocks available in areas such as Armadale, Belmont, Stirling, East Victoria Park and Karawara.
"Ellenbrook, Landstart's award winning joint venture, has almost 250 blocks available and there will be a further 250 in Brighton joint venture in the northern suburbs.
"We have serviced land in almost every country town, and in joint ventures throughout the major country centres, such as Bunbury, Albany and Geraldton, with a significant number of blocks of serviced land for sale.
"Because the majority of this land was serviced before the Goods and Services Tax came into operation, it is free of GST costs, which is another bonus for homebuyers."
For those interested there is a comprehensive list on the Ministry's website at http://www.housing.wa.gov.au under Landstart, or they can ring the Landstart hotline on 1300 685 418.
Media contact: Julie Cole 9213 6500
The following information outlines availability:
