First Home Buyers Receive Budget Boost
The Federal Budget announces new initiatives for first-time buyers.
By Terry Christodoulou
Wed, May 12, 2021 1:56pm
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Under a number of new initiatives announced by the government in the 2021-22 Federal Budget overnight, first home buyers are set to be offered a helping hand.
As property prices rise at the fastest month-on-month rate in 33-years, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has announced three key measures designed to assist those looking to get a foothold in the Australian property market.
The government’s already existing first home buyer’s scheme will be boosted by another 10,000 places. This sees buyers only need a 5% deposit to secure a home. The other 15% needed to avoid paying the lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI) will be fronted up by the government, and eventually repaid.
Further, a new initiative sees single parents able to purchase a home with just 2% deposit. Named the Family Home Guarantee, eligible single parents will be able to build a new home or purchase an existing home with a minimal deposit. As above, places are limited – with applications to open from July 1, 2021 and will offer 10,000 places over four years.
Finally, the First Home Super Save Scheme will allow first-timers to access as much as $50,000 from their superannuation to purchase a house. The scheme has been expanded from the previous limits of $30,000
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The desert residence belonged to the singer, who also served as mayor of the California city, for more than a decade.
By Liz Lucking
Wed, Dec 17, 2025 < 1 min
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Sonny Bono’s former estate, a piece of local history in Palm Springs, California, has come up for sale.
The desert residence, on the market for $7.49 million, was home to the singer, songwriter, congressman and Palm Springs mayor from 1986 until his death in 1998, records show.
“Opportunities like this simply do not come around often,” said listing agent Louise Hampton with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California, who brought the home to the market last month.
“A hillside estate of this size, with this level of privacy and this historical connection stands among the most compelling offerings in today’s desert market.”
Bono was perhaps most famously the other half of singing duo Sonny & Cher, but also served as the mayor of Palm Springs from 1988 to 1992, and as the U.S. representative for California’s 44th district from 1995 until he died in a skiing accident in 1998 at the age of 62.
Located in the city’s Mesa neighbourhood on a hillside parcel, the colourful seven-bedroom property combines Mid-Century Modern design with Italian influences across its almost 9,000 square feet and multiple structures.
The house last changed hands in 2021 for $4.35 million. The sellers couldn’t be reached for comment.
There’s a great room, a formal dining area with a rock fireplace, a chef’s kitchen with two wine fridges.
The seven bedrooms include a primary suite with a walk-in closet and a “spa-style” bathroom with a soaking tub and steam shower, according to the listing. Several of the home’s guest suites include private patios or separate entrances.
Outside, there are lawns, olive trees, date palms and cacti alongside terraces, a new travertine pool deck, a pool, a tennis court and an oversize motor court with space for more than a dozen vehicles.
