Tasmania's first homebuyer concessions aid prospective buyers, but for how long?
Making use of a number of first homebuyer schemes in Tasmania gave Alison "freedom" from the rental market. But, a number of those schemes are due to expire in a few months.
Alison McNeice's home is her sanctuary — in many senses of the word.
As a wildlife carer, she regularly has a number of rescued birds in and around her house.
As a first-time home owner, it's something she doesn't take for granted.
Ms McNeice can care for birds at her home without worrying about landlords. (ABC News: Kate Nickels)
"It's fantastic because I've been able to take some birds on and help them get homed and have the space to do that without worrying about landlords," Ms McNeice said.
It took Ms McNeice seven years to save up to buy her house in 2024.
It's a process she found "hugely stressful", but also "liberating".
"Because it was freedom from the rental market."
Ms McNeice says she would have struggled to buy her first home without government help. (ABC News: Kate Nickels)
But, she said she doubted she'd be quite where she was now without government concessions.
"I would have been a lot worse off financially,"
she said.
"It was hugely useful, I really needed it."
Deadline nears for local concessions
A first home buyer who buys or builds a new home can get a $30,000 grant to help. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)
Currently, there are a range of concessions available to first home buyers in Tasmania, with two of them due to end on June 30.
A first home owner grant is available to eligible applicants who buy or build a new home in Tasmania.
Until June 30, the amount of the grant is $30,000.
For first home buyers purchasing established homes with a value of up to $750,000, there is a stamp duty exemption until June 30.
When asked about the expiration of the concessions, Treasurer Eric Abetz said he was "not going to predict what may or may not be in the May budget".