HomeBuilder Construction Deadline Extended by 12 Months Existing applicants for HomeBuilder are being given an extra 12 months to commence construction as new home building has reached its highest levels in 21 years. On April 17, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Housing Minister Michael Sukkar announced an extension of the construction commencement requirement for the HomeBuilder scheme from six to 18 months, meaning builders will have until Sept. 2022 to begin work. Introduced in June 2020 as part of the national economic recovery plan, HomeBuilder offered up to $25,000 (US$19,500) in grants for new home constructions or major renovations. The government said over 121,000 Australians have applied for the grant, which is expected to cost the government $2.5 billion (US$1.95 billion) and create a total of $30 billion in building activity.