Tasmania Premier Spruiks Construction Grant

Tasmanian premier Lara Giddings has used the unveiling of a new Housing Industry Association (HIA) building to remind real estate buyers about a number of government incentives.

The $15,000 First Home Builder's Boost is available to eligible applicants as part of a $24.5m Tasmanian Jobs Package - a scheme which hopes to see 1,100 new homes built over the next 18 months.

Ms Giddings explained that given the construction sector is the second biggest employer in the state - with roughly 18,500 employees - governments need to do what they can to stimulate such industries.

She said: "Jobs are my government's number one priority and we are a proud supporter of the construction and homebuilding sector.

"Every new home constructed has flow-on benefits for up to 30 small business, from builders to plumbers, plasterers, electricians, concreters, carpet layers and kitchen installers."

The premier also urged prospective property buyers to consider building their new home. With the $15,000 grant and record low interest rates, she claimed there has never been a better time to buy.

Since the introduction of the grant on January 1, Ms Giddings said that organisations such as the HIA and builders have reported an increase in enquiries.