First Home Owner Grant WA

What Is the First Home Owner Grant in Western Australia?

The Western Australian First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a $10,000 payment from the WA Government to help first home buyers purchase or build a new home. Administered by the Office of State Revenue (part of the Department of Finance), the grant is available statewide, with a unique feature: a higher property value cap of $1,000,000 for properties located north of the 26th parallel, compared to $800,000 for the rest of the state (for transactions from 7 May 2026).

Western Australia is in a unique position among Australian states. The combination of a strong resources sector, relatively affordable housing compared to the eastern seaboard, and no stamp duty for first home buyers up to $600,000 (from 7 May 2026) makes the state one of the most accessible markets for new buyers. Perth's median house price remains well below Sydney and Melbourne, meaning the $800,000 FHOG cap covers a substantial portion of the new home market.

The FHOG is one of several incentives available to first home buyers in WA. When combined with stamp duty concessions, the federal Help to Buy shared equity scheme (live in WA from January 2026), Keystart 2% deposit loans, and the First Home Super Saver scheme, the total savings can be significant, potentially over $30,000 depending on the property price and schemes used.

WA FHOG Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the $10,000 Western Australian First Home Owner Grant, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (at least one applicant if purchasing jointly)
• You must be aged 18 years or older at the date of the transaction
• You (or your spouse/de facto partner) must not have previously owned residential property in Australia
• You (or your spouse/de facto partner) must not have previously received a first home owner grant in any Australian state or territory
• The home must be a new home, newly built, purchased off the plan, or substantially renovated
• The total value of the property must not exceed $800,000 (south of the 26th parallel) or $1,000,000 (north of the 26th parallel), for transactions from 7 May 2026
• You must occupy the property within 12 months and live there for a continuous period of at least six months

There is no income test for the WA FHOG. Your eligibility is determined by property-related criteria and your ownership history, not by how much you earn. This makes the grant accessible to all first home buyers regardless of income level.

Property Value Caps: $800,000 and $1,000,000

Western Australia has a dual-cap system that reflects the significant cost differences between metropolitan and remote areas of the state:

South of the 26th Parallel: $800,000

The vast majority of WA's population lives south of the 26th parallel. This includes Perth and all its suburbs, Mandurah, Bunbury, Busselton, Albany, Geraldton, and Kalgoorlie. For properties in these areas, the total value must not exceed $800,000 to qualify for the FHOG, for transactions from 7 May 2026 ($750,000 before then).

Perth's new housing market generally offers strong value compared to eastern capital cities. House and land packages in growth areas such as Baldivis, Piara Waters, Byford, Ellenbrook, and Yanchep frequently fall well within the $800,000 cap, making the FHOG accessible to a large proportion of first home buyers in the Perth metropolitan area.

North of the 26th Parallel: $1,000,000

For properties north of the 26th parallel, the cap increases to $1,000,000. This region includes resource towns such as Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman, and Tom Price, as well as Broome, Kununurra, and other remote communities. The higher cap reflects the significantly elevated construction and land costs in these areas, where building a standard home can cost substantially more than in Perth.

New Homes vs Existing Homes in WA

The FHOG in Western Australia is exclusively for new homes. The Office of State Revenue defines a new home as:

• A home that has not been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence
• An off-the-plan purchase of a newly constructed dwelling
• A substantially renovated home where the renovation is comprehensive enough that the result is essentially a new home
• A home built by an owner-builder on their own land

Existing (established) homes do not qualify for the FHOG. However, this does not mean there are no benefits for buyers of established properties. The stamp duty concessions apply to all first home purchases, whether new or existing, with no duty payable on homes valued up to $600,000 and a concessional rate up to $800,000.

WA Stamp Duty Concessions: No Duty Up to $600,000 (From 7 May 2026)

The 2026-27 Housing Taxation Package, announced on 7 May 2026, lifted the first home owner rate of duty thresholds. For transactions entered into on or after 7 May 2026:

• New or established home up to $600,000: no transfer duty (previously $500,000).
• Home valued up to $800,000: a concessional rate of duty (previously $700,000).
• Vacant land up to $450,000: no duty (previously $350,000), with a concessional rate up to $550,000 (previously $450,000).

The package also removed the link between the FHOG value cap and the duty concession, so a first home buyer can get the concession even when the price is above the grant cap. The WA Government's online duty calculator gives the exact amount for a transaction on or after 7 May 2026.

Combining the FHOG and Stamp Duty Concessions

A new home in WA valued at $600,000 or less gets both the $10,000 FHOG and no transfer duty. Between $600,000 and $800,000 you still get the grant (south of the 26th parallel, the cap is $800,000) and a concessional rate of duty.

How to Apply for the WA First Home Owner Grant

There are two application methods available:

Option 1: Through Your Lender (Most Common)

The simplest approach is to apply through your bank or mortgage broker when you submit your home loan application. The FHOG forms are completed as part of the loan documentation, and the $10,000 grant is credited at settlement. Most first home buyers in WA use this method because it is convenient and ensures the grant is available exactly when needed.

Option 2: Directly with the Office of State Revenue

You can also apply directly to the WA Office of State Revenue within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction. This method suits cash buyers or those who did not apply through their lender. Applications can be submitted online, and you will need to provide proof of identity, your contract documentation, and a statutory declaration confirming your eligibility.

For the 75% stamp duty rebate, your settlement agent (conveyancer) typically applies on your behalf as part of the standard settlement process. Ensure your settlement agent is aware of your first home buyer status so they can claim the rebate when lodging the transfer.

Other First Home Buyer Benefits Available in WA

Help to Buy Shared Equity Scheme (Live in WA from January 2026)

Help to Buy is a federal shared equity scheme that became available to WA buyers in January 2026. The government contributes up to 40% of the purchase price for new homes or 30% for existing homes as an equity share, with no interest or rent charged on the government's portion. You need just a 2% deposit (plus the government's share), and you can repay the equity share at any time or when you sell.

• Income caps (2026-27): $103,000 for singles, $165,000 for couples and single parents
• Property price caps: $850,000 for Perth, $600,000 for regional WA
• Deposit: Minimum 2% (can combine with FHOG for additional funds)
• Stacking: Can be used alongside the WA FHOG, stamp duty concessions, and FHSS

Help to Buy is particularly powerful in WA because you can stack it with the $10,000 FHOG and zero stamp duty. On a $500,000 new home, the government contributes up to $200,000 (40%), you need just $10,000 deposit (2%), and you receive a $10,000 FHOG, meaning you effectively need zero out-of-pocket for the deposit.

Keystart Home Loans (WA Government)

Keystart is a WA Government initiative offering low-deposit home loans to Western Australians who may not qualify for standard lending. Updated criteria as of August 2025:

• Deposit: As little as 2%, no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), saving $10,000–$15,000+
• Income limits: $148,000 for singles, $218,000 for couples (increased August 2025)
• Property price cap: $800,000 statewide
• Loan type: Variable rate only, designed to help you transition to mainstream lending once you build equity
• Eligible properties: New and existing homes, vacant land (to build on)

Home Buyers Assistance Account

The Home Buyers Assistance Account provides up to $2,000 to reimburse incidental costs of purchasing your first home, including conveyancing fees, valuation fees, and inspection costs. To be eligible, the property must be valued at $400,000 or less and be located in Western Australia. You must also meet the standard first home buyer criteria. Applications are made through the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

First Home Guarantee (Federal Scheme)

The First Home Guarantee enables eligible buyers to purchase with 5% deposit and no LMI. Property price caps in WA are $850,000 for Perth and $600,000 for regional areas. There is no income test; the previous income limits were removed in October 2025. This scheme can be used alongside the WA FHOG and stamp duty concessions for maximum savings.

First Home Super Saver Scheme

The FHSS scheme lets you withdraw up to $50,000 in voluntary super contributions for your first home deposit. Concessional contributions are taxed at 15% instead of your marginal rate. Combined with the $10,000 FHOG, you could have up to $60,000 in grants and tax-advantaged savings for your deposit.

Tips for Maximising Your First Home Buyer Benefits in WA

• Buy at $600,000 or less for zero stamp duty: The 7 May 2026 changes mean you pay no transfer duty at all on homes valued up to $600,000, and a concessional rate up to $800,000.
• Stack Help to Buy with FHOG for maximum leverage: On a $500,000 new home, the government contributes up to $200,000 (40% via Help to Buy), you receive $10,000 FHOG, and pay zero stamp duty. Your effective out-of-pocket deposit could be as low as zero.
• Consider house and land packages in growth areas: Suburbs like Baldivis, Ellenbrook, Piara Waters, and Yanchep offer new homes within the FHOG cap with strong infrastructure.
• Explore Keystart if your deposit is limited: The WA Government's Keystart programme offers 2% deposit loans with no LMI ($148K/$218K income limits, $800K property cap).
• Engage a broker who understands WA: A local broker can guide you through the specific WA processes and ensure you claim all available benefits. The service is free to you.

Compliance and Penalties

The WA FHOG is subject to strict compliance requirements. RevenueWA conducts investigations to ensure recipients meet their obligations:

• Residency requirement: You must move into the property within 12 months and live there for at least 6 continuous months. Failure to do so may result in repayment of the grant.
• False statements: Making false or misleading statements on your application can result in penalties of up to $20,000 under the First Home Owner Grant Act 2000 (WA).
• Ownership capacity: You must purchase the property in your personal capacity, not through a company, trust, or other entity.
• Repayment: If you are found to be ineligible after receiving the grant, you will be required to repay the full $10,000 plus any applicable penalties.