Hi all,
I have recently been advised by SRO that I need to pay back my FHOG!
In 2009 early July, I moved into my first property however due to relocation for work in late July 2009, I had to go to outer region of Victoria and it would be impossible to travel 4 hours each way to and from work each day, hence I had to move.
I called SRO and confirmed that it would be ok for me to leave if I left the place empty and stayed over the weekend. I had no intention of going away when I purchased the property, however as I was forced to leave due to work, during this period, all my accommodation was paid by work (No lease agreement in place) Hence I believed my Place of principal residence was still at my first home.
SRO are now claiming that because I haven't lived in it for 7 days a week, for 6 months continuously, I am ineligible for the grant and need to pay it back with additional $1000 fine.
I went through the FHOG Act 2000 tonight and found no information which specified that to be eligible for the FHOG, we must be living at the place for 7 days a week.
Is it possible to win this case with SRO if I take this matter further?
Has anyone else faced similar matter in the past where SRO conducted an investigation and is requesting for the FHOG to be refunded?
I have recently been advised by SRO that I need to pay back my FHOG!
In 2009 early July, I moved into my first property however due to relocation for work in late July 2009, I had to go to outer region of Victoria and it would be impossible to travel 4 hours each way to and from work each day, hence I had to move.
I called SRO and confirmed that it would be ok for me to leave if I left the place empty and stayed over the weekend. I had no intention of going away when I purchased the property, however as I was forced to leave due to work, during this period, all my accommodation was paid by work (No lease agreement in place) Hence I believed my Place of principal residence was still at my first home.
SRO are now claiming that because I haven't lived in it for 7 days a week, for 6 months continuously, I am ineligible for the grant and need to pay it back with additional $1000 fine.
I went through the FHOG Act 2000 tonight and found no information which specified that to be eligible for the FHOG, we must be living at the place for 7 days a week.
Is it possible to win this case with SRO if I take this matter further?
Has anyone else faced similar matter in the past where SRO conducted an investigation and is requesting for the FHOG to be refunded?