Villa World's Augustus release timed to perfection

Queensland developer Villa World has displayed savvy timing with its latest residential release at Hervey Bay coinciding with a boost to generous home buyer incentives.The launch of the latest stage of Villa World’s Augustus master planned community comes as the Hervey Bay Housing Affordability Grant of $12,000 is extended and the First Home Owners’ Grant rises to $20,000.Villa World senior development manager Gary Hunter said the changes were compelling reasons to purchase a new home.“It’s a potential saving of up to $32,000, and coupled with a low interest rate environment it means now is a prime time to switch from renting to owning your own new home,” he said.Stage 9 of Augustus will deliver 47 homes and 10 vacant blocks across two releases.The homes are priced from $340,000 while the blocks range in size from 450sqm to 600sqm and start at $129,000.Stage 9 is expected to be ready for settlement in early 2017.Originally set to expire on June 30 this year, the Hervey Bay Housing Affordability Grant has been renewed.The grant, which is not limited to first-time buyers, offers $12,000 for new land or new house-and-land packages at approved residential developments in Hervey Bay.And as of July 1, the Queensland Government’s First Home Owners’ Grant has risen from $15,000 to $20,000 for eligible buyers.First home-owners and grant recipients Matthew Pace and his family moved into their four-bedroom Augustus home only weeks ago, making the decision to buy after seeing the community come to life from their rental home across the street.“We love the community feel and the design of the home; it was exactly what my wife and I were looking for,” he said.“The two separate living areas were the draw card for us as it caters to our childrens’ needs as well as our own.”Mr Pace said after years of renting the couple didn’t think it would be possible to save a deposit for a home.“But the grants have made our life-long dream of owning a home a reality and we are very thankful,” he said.Located 3km from the town centre, Augustus has a neighbourhood park with a playground and off-leash dog area.Its contemporary three- and four-bedroom homes feature kitchens with stone benchtops and stainless steel appliances, double lock-up garages, and NBN capability.