COVID-19 NT: Business and Individuals – Home Improvement Scheme

This program aims to help protect the Territory from the deep economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and keep shops and businesses open, cash flowing and Territorians working. It forms part of the Territory Government’s Rescue and Recovery plan in response to coronavirus (COVID-19).

The scheme will help fast-track around 5,000 screwdriver-ready projects in Territory homes.

The scheme operates on a voucher system, with home owners receiving either:
- A voucher worth $4,000 if they contribute at least $1,000 of their own money.
- A voucher worth $6,000 if they contribute at least $2,000 of their own money.

Eligible applicants can submit two quotes, by up to two businesses, as part of their one application for the scheme.

The total value of the vouchers issued will be for no more than the maximum grant amount.

An applicants who is the owner of multiple properties can carry out improvement works to one home only. If a property has more than one owner, only one person can apply under the scheme.

A initial funding pool of $30 million is available for six months of work. On 16 April 2020, the NT Government announced that it is now budgeting about $60 million for 12 months of work.

Eligible applicants include registered owners of a residential property in the Northern Territory (NT).

The property can be owner-occupied or used as investment, but there can only be one application per property and per home owner.

Eligible activities include physical improvements, repairs or maintenance services that are intended to stay in the property permanently.

Eligible works include:
- Installing or repairing an air-conditioning unit
- Painting the house
- Pool repairs
- Fencing repairs
- Installing or repairing a reticulation system
- Upgrading ceiling fans or lighting
- Upgrading an existing solar system
- Installing a solar hot water system

Eligible works must:
- Include a labour component.
- Be carried out by an eligible business that is not related to the grant recipient.

The following are ineligible for funding:
- Companies.
- Trust structures with a corporate trustee.
- Associations that are the sole registered proprietor of a property.
- Buying solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or installing solar panels (eg rooftop solar).
- Works carried out by the grant recipient on a ‘do-it-yourself’ basis.
- Works carried out by a business related to the grant recipient.