FIRST homebuyers might want to think about moving to regional Victoria.

Just days after Premier Daniel Andrews announced his plan to tackle affordability by unlocking 17 new suburbs in Melbourne, the government has doubled the First Home Owner Grant in regional Victoria.

Commencing 1 July 2017, the grant will increase from $10,000 to $20,000 and is expected to help 6000 first home buyers in regional Victoria to build and live in their own community.

“By doubling this grant, we’re giving young people in regional Victoria even more reason to live locally,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.

The announcement is in addition to the government’s promise to invest more regional infrastructure, outlined in the 2016/17 Victorian Budget.

“Importantly, we’re not making these changes in isolation. As our regional communities grow, we’re also investing in public transport, local roads, and the schools and hospitals they need,” Mr Andrews said.

The boosted First Home Owner Grant will be applicable to contracts signed from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2020, at which time, the government will review the benefits for first home buyers and businesses in regional Victoria.

“This will make it easier for young people in regional Victoria to buy and live in their community. While the Federal Government talks about housing affordability, this is what real action looks like,” Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said.

“We want to ensure these communities grow and prosper and are supported by the best infrastructure and services Victoria has to offer.”

Geelong MP Christine Couzens said it is a real win for young buyers in Victoria.

“It’s a real bonus for young people who are fighting to get into the housing market,” she told the Geelong Advertiser.

“I talk to a lot of people about the difficulties of accessing home ownership, so I think this will be a great benefit to many young families in Geelong. It will give them a bit of a step up to get into their first home.”

NOT ALL PEACHES AND CREAM

But while the increased grant has been welcomed, there are some concerns over the government’s plan to boost housing supply by rezoning 100,000 lots to unlock 17 new Melbourne suburbs over the next two years.

Experts believe the suburbs, which will be created on the outer fringe of the city, won’t be that attractive to potential homebuyers.

University of Melbourne urban planning expert, Associate Professor Alan March, said infrastructure in the proposed new suburbs would do little to support the vulnerable young families who would be the ones moving there, some of which are up to 50 kilometres out of the city.

Speaking to news.com.au, he said it would force the young families to travel longer distances for school, childcare and other destinations.

He also argued it is a false expectation that the new suburbs would make housing more affordable in Melbourne. Houses may be cheaper on the fringe but the families living there will face other costs — and not just monetary.

“There are very great and very long commuting times and with that comes a whole range of negative impacts on health, obesity and family life,” Professor March said.

“Not to mention the carbon output. If you live out there you need to invest in cars.”

Residents of the new suburbs will also likely have to let go of the traditional Great Australian Dream.

“People going out there in most cases are not getting the suburban dream Australians seem to rest upon,” Professor March told news.com.au.

“People want a yard, but you’re probably not going to get much of a yard. You want a great family life but this is not making it easy for that family life.”

However, the Andrews Government insists the planning of these 17 new suburbs will include the services, infrastructure and amenity that are the cornerstone of liveable communities.

“This is all about ensuring there is plenty of new housing coming to market to suit the varied needs of Victorian families, stay ahead of population growth and make new homes as affordable as possible,” Victorian Minister for Planning Richard Wynne said.