FHSS - Timing of Determination and Release Request

 Author: KaraATO(Community Support)Community Support

25 Mar 2026

Hi psharma610,

One important rule is that you must ask for your FHSS determination before settlement. Settlement is the point where the property becomes yours.

This is also given:

• you're eligible to apply for the FHSS scheme and
• your contributions are also eligible.

For off‑the‑plan purchases, the contract might be only for the land, or it might include both the land and the build. These might settle at different times, so it’s important to think about when each part will settle, not just when you sign the contract. (example 10 on the General Notice 2024/1 is a good example to review).

For your situation of an off-the-plan purchase, it may involve:

• separate contracts, with one covering purchase of the land and another covering construction of a home on that land, or
• a single contract covering everything.

Your timing rules depend on when your FHSS determination was made. If it was issued on or after 15 September 2024, the allowed time to sign a contract starts 90 days before you request your FHSS release and ends 12 months after your release request (with up to 12 extra months if needed).

When signing the contract before making your release request, you must also notify us within 90 days of signing.

If you've made more eligible contributions since your original determination, you can request a new determination before submitting your release request. It will usually take between 15 and 20 business days from when you request release until we pay any released amount to you.

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