As a single income household in Newcastle, Christine Cope’s family earned enough to cover just half their rent.
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The family of three have now relocated to Ballarat where relatives assured them they would find work and a lower cost of living.
Both Mrs Cope and her husband now have jobs and are saving to build their own home within the next couple of years.
As of Saturday, July 1 the first home owner grant will double to $20,000 in regional Victoria. Stamp duty will also be abolished for homes under $600,000.
“It (home ownership) was not something we really considered there because it was priced out of our means completely.
“Now we have to reevaluate everything because we can afford something.”
Mrs Cope said being able to afford their own home gave the family security.
“It’s very settling and it’s a really nice feeling to know that we have a nice place to raise our daughter,” she said.
“The idea is to save for a year or so and prove to the bank that we’re solid and then build.”
On Friday the state government launched its Ready when you are campaign to draw people to regional Victoria. The campaign was launched in Ballarat by Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford, Treasurer Tim Pallas and Wendouree MP Sharon Knight on Friday.
Jessica Black
Ballarat journalist.
Ballarat journalist.
