14 Feb 2018 Seymour Telegraph, Seymour VIC (General News) Its getting easier for people to build and own their first home in country Victoria, according to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes. As of July 1, 2017, the First Home Owner Grant which applies to all newly constructed homes was doubled in regional Victoria from $10 000 to $20 000. In northern Victoria, the City of Wodonga (82) has led the charge, but both Mitchell Shire (35) and Strathbogie Shire (9) have also been active. The increased grant is available to first home buyers building new homes valued up to $750 000. Ms Symes said the Victorian Government is helping families to stay in their home town and also providing incentives to attract people to move to country Victoria. Labors initiative is giving first home buyers in Northern Victoria a chance to enter the property market and own their dream home in country Victoria, she said. The Victorian Government also abolished stamp duty 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. Caption Text: Jaclyn Symes Dream home: The First Home Owner Grant is giving first home buyers in Northern Victoria a chance to enter the property market and own a home in country Victoria Picture: AAP/Brendan EspositoLicensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.