30 Jan 2018 The Free Press, Kilmore, VIC (General News) FIRST home buyers in the region received a boost last July and judging by figures released by Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, they have taken good advantage of the increase in First Home Owner Grant. The grant applies to all newly constructed homes and was doubled in regional Victoria from $10,000 to $20,000. The City of Wodonga has led the charge with 82 successful applications. Mitchell Shire comes in third with 35. Grant data from other municipalities includes Greater Shepparton (41), Mildura Rural City (37), Moira Shire (16), Benalla Rural City, Strathbogie Shire, Wangaratta Rural City local government areas each totalling (9), Swan Hill Rural City (8), Murrindindi Shire (7), and Alpine Shire, Indigo Shire and Mansfield Shire recording (4). The increased grant is available to first home buyers building new homes valued up to $750,000. The First Home Owner Grant is giving first home buyers in the region a chance to enter the property market and own their dream home in country Victoria, Ms Symes said. Stamp duty was also abolished for first home buyers purchasing new and existing homes up to $600,000, and discounted stamp duty up to $750,000. In the six-month period between July 1 and December 31, 2017, more than 9700 first home buyers across the state paid no stamp duty, while another 2000 paid reduced stamp duty. The grant will be applicable to contracts signed from now until June 30, 2020.Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.