Can I apply to buy a LAHC-owned social house?
Yes, you can apply to buy the LAHC-owned social house that you are living in if you are the head tenant (ie you signed the tenancy agreement).
Can I apply to buy a LAHC-owned social house together with another person?
Yes, if you are the head tenant, an authorised household member(s), relative or friend can also buy the social house you are living in with you, as a co-applicant.
Where there is more than one purchaser you will not be able to sell the property for three years following the date of settlement.
Can I apply to buy a LAHC-owned social house if I owe rent?
If you owe rent, you will need to pay it before you can buy a LAHC-owned social house.
Can I apply to buy a LAHC-owned social house if I don’t live there?
No, you can only apply to buy the social house that you live in.
How do I apply to buy a LAHC-owned social house?
You need to:
- download and complete the Application to Purchase a NSW Land and Housing Corporation House form
- provide evidence of funds to buy the social house eg a loan pre-approval and/or bank statement equal to the market value of similar properties in your area and any house purchase costs
- pay a $220 application fee.
How do I lodge my application?
You can post your application and supporting documentation to:
NSW Land and Housing Corporation
4 Parramatta Square, 12 Darcy Street
Parramatta NSW 2150
OR
You can submit your application and supporting documentation online via our Contact Us page.
What is the $220 application fee for?
The $220 is a contribution towards the cost of the independent valuation if the sale is approved.
How do I make the $220 fee payment?
Where do I send the cheque?
You can post the cheque to:
NSW Land and Housing Corporation
4 Parramatta Square, 12 Darcy Street
Parramatta NSW 2150
Can I pay by personal cheque?
Only bank cheques are accepted. Personal cheques are not accepted.
What are LAHC’s bank details for EFT?
Account name: NSW Land and Housing Corporation
Account Number: 170622
BSB: 032 001
Can I pay by credit card?
No, credit card payments are not accepted.
Will the $220 be refunded if LAHC doesn’t want to sell the social house?
Yes, LAHC will refund your $220 if the sale is not approved.
Will I get my $220 back if I decide not to go ahead with buying the social house?
No. If the sale is approved and the social house is offered to you at the price based on the independent market valuation and you change your mind or are not able to proceed with the purchase, you will not get a refund.
How much will a LAHC-owned social house cost to buy?
LAHC sells its social houses at ‘market value’. It can consider any improvements that you have paid for and that were pre-approved by LAHC, in calculating the final sale price.
To find out how much the social house you are living in might cost to buy, you need to do your own research before you apply.
You can look at recent sale prices for houses in your area which have the same number of bedrooms on the internet. You can also ask local real estate agents.
If the sale is approved, LAHC will arrange an independent market valuation.
I’m Aboriginal, are there any supports available for me?
If you are Aboriginal, there may be some home purchase supports you can access.
You can ask the Aboriginal Housing Office by phoning (02) 8836 9431 or emailing homeownership@aho.nsw.gov.au.
How does LAHC calculate the sale price?
If the sale is approved, LAHC will arrange an independent market valuation.
Any improvements that you have paid for and that were pre-approved by LAHC, will be taken into account in calculating the final sale price.
Why might LAHC decide not to sell a social house?
Sometimes LAHC will not agree to sell a social house, for example if it will be needed for social housing in the future or if it might be able to be redeveloped into new social housing.
If LAHC identifies the social house as ‘not for sale’, then LAHC will refund the $220 (GST inclusive) valuation fee.
How long will it take for LAHC to consider my application?
It takes up to 11 weeks to process provided that the application is complete, all supporting documentation has been provided, and any questions have been answered.
Can I request a review of LAHC’s decision?
You can request a review within four weeks of being notified of the decision if:
- your application was declined previously because you didn’t demonstrate you had enough funds to buy the social house, and now you do, OR
- you believe you have been treated unfairly and you provide reasons why.
You can’t request a review of LAHC’s decision to not sell a house to you where the house is required for LAHC’s future use for others who need social housing.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the application process?
You can ask questions via the Contact Us form on our website.
Can I buy a LAHC-owned social house without having a conveyancer/solicitor?
We strongly recommend that you use a solicitor or conveyancer to help protect your legal rights. Although you can buy a social house without using a solicitor or conveyancer, you will still need a conveyancer, solicitor or a settlement agent to handle the electronic settlement.
Can I negotiate the settlement period?
Yes, we are open to negotiating the settlement period.
Do I have to pay stamp duty?
If you are a social housing tenant, you won’t have to pay stamp duty if you hold at least a 25% share in the house when you buy it. Your solicitor or conveyancer will help you apply for the stamp duty exemption.
What happens with any rent that I owe or that I’m owed?
If you owe any rent at the date of settlement you will need to pay it. If your account shows you have paid more rent than was due at the date of settlement, it will be paid back to you.