Domestic and family violence is a leading cause of homelessness amongst women, which is why victim-survivors of domestic and family violence are likely to be included in the Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper program with a new NSW government task force being established.
Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW), Minister for Women, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, and NSW Treasurer, Daniel Mookhey, are set to explore ways to improve housing outcomes for domestic violence victim-survivors.
The taskforce will discuss the eligibility criteria for the expansion of the program, and then recommendations will be considered as part of the 2023-24 NSW Budget due to be delivered in September.
Under the current Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper, the NSW government contributes up to 40% of the cost of a new home or up to 30% for an existing home bought by eligible homebuyers, with a minimum deposit of 2%.
“The NSW government is committed to increasing home ownership support for domestic and family violence victim-survivors,” Mr Mookhey said. “Expanding the cohorts of the NSW government’s shared equity program, to include domestic violence victim-survivors, will give those affected greater access to the safety and financial security of home ownership sooner.”
Minister Harrison said expanding the shared equity program could support domestic violence victim-survivors looking to retain a home currently co-owned with an ex-partner, those looking to move home, or to re-enter home ownership.
“Domestic and family violence has become endemic across NSW, so the government is committed to helping victim-survivors experience the safety and security of owning their own home,” said the Minister.
“This taskforce will explore options to achieve the best outcome for domestic violence victim-survivors when it comes to housing, and this will be an ongoing path towards making New South Wales a safer place for victim-survivors,” she said.
Chief Executive Officer of DVNSW, Delia Donovan, said the organisation welcomed the announcement of the taskforce and looked forward to co-chairing with Minister Harrison.
“We know that domestic and family violence impacts people from a wide variety of backgrounds. For victim-survivors who are in a financial position to purchase property, this scheme will make it a little bit easier for them to escape abusive relationships, rebuild their life and have a secure roof over their heads,” Ms Donavan said.
For information on the Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper, visit nsw.gov.au/shared-equity
