Investors are receiving NSW government help to buy property at nearly twice the rate that new home buyers are, the state's opposition says.
NSW Labor says statistics from the Office of State Revenue show that in the last year 9802 New Home Scheme grants have been paid to property investors and existing home owners buying a new home or block of land.
But only 5375 first home buyer grants have been paid out to first-timers buying a new home or block of land over the same period, Labor says.
These property debutants are eligible for a $15,000 grant when they purchase a new home, home off the plan or land that they intend to build on.
The New Home Grant scheme is open to people who already own property to do the same, but is worth $5000.
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Opposition Leader John Robertson said on Saturday that offering grants to existing homeowners to buy more property was making it harder for first home buyers to gain a foothold.
"It is one thing to help first home buyers get that important first step into the housing market, but something entirely different to be doling out taxpayer-funded cash grants to property investors buying up multiple properties across the city," he said in a statement.
"All the O'Farrell government is doing is locking more and more first home buyers out of the housing market and putting the great Australian dream of owning your own home out of reach for many."
