Regarding the logistics of getting first home owner grant for off the plan properties, can you apply to office of state revenue (OSR) on day 1 after settlement or do you have to wait till you've fulfilled the criteria (i.e. after you've lived in it for 6 months)? If you get the grant prior to living for 6 months, do you need to send proof that you actually met the criteria 6 months later?
In the application form, OSR requires a "title search showing the applicant(s) as the registered proprietor(s)", how would I obtain this? I'm trying to avoid any additional conveyancing fees by not bothering my conveyancer if possible.
The application also requires "a statement from the vendor/vendor’s legal representative
or other evidence which shows that this is the first sale of
the home and that the home has never been previously
occupied since completion of construction." I mean, if i ask the vendor's solicitor, is it likely they would give this to me at all? Does this need to be obtained through my conveyancer/solicitor. I'm trying to avoid any additional conveyancing fees by not bothering my conveyancer if possible.
If you apply through an approved agent (ie. your bank), the FHOG can be available at settlement, you don't need to wait. If you do it through your bank, you don't need to provide a title search.
You don't need to provide evidence of living in the property (unless OSR suspect you haven't been and launch an investigation and request it).
The vendor's solicitor is not allowed to liaise with you directly when you have someone acting for you. You could try requesting it through the agent, but it will be easier going through your conveyancer and they may already have the letter. It is unlikely they will charge you more for that.