Demand for the federal government's HomeBuilder program has been five times greater than expected according to assistant treasurer and housing minister Michael Sukkar said.
The government has announced an extension of the construction commencement requirement for the program from six months to 18 months for all existing applicants.
During a visit to the Hunter, Mr Sukkar said the extension would allow the construction industry to catch up with the overwhelming demand.
"No one in the Hunter Region or elsewhere in Australia who has signed up for a grant will miss out because now builders have enough time to do the work," he said.
The impact of the recent floods across NSW was also a factor in the government's decision to extend the program.
"Clearly the flooding meant it would be more difficult to commence projects than expected so increasing it from six to 18 months timeframe was not just the supply chain, general demand issues that the building companies are facing, but also the fact that we have had natural disasters," Mr Sukkar said.
Mother-of-two Milwi Gumangan was on hand at Chisholm to speak to the minister and Senator for the Hunter Hollie Hughes.
Ms Gumangan took advantage of the government's $10,000 first home owner grant and the first home loan deposit scheme to build a home at Sophia Waters, Chisholm.
She has also applied for the HomeBuilder program.
"I was really lucky to get those grants; it helped me a lot and has reduced my debt," she said.
"The $10,000 helped me to buy the furniture after we moved in."
