First home buyer grants in WA have long been a key incentive to help new buyers step into homeownership.

But what are these grants, and how exactly do they work?

This guide provides a complete cheatsheet to first home buyer grants WA, uncovering key details every buyer should know.

Some are substantial cash payments based on purchasing or building a new home.

Some offer stamp duty concessions that can save thousands when buying a property.

Some apply only in specific regions or suburb types.

Some come bundled with other state or federal government schemes.

Understanding these can drastically affect your buying power and loan options.

Let’s dive right in.

Overview of First Home Buyer Grants in WA

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in Western Australia is a state government initiative designed to encourage and assist first home buyers in purchasing or building a new residential property to use as their principal place of residence.

The grant operates as a one-off payment, traditionally set at $10,000 for eligible buyers.

This payment can be particularly advantageous for offsetting upfront building or purchasing costs and reducing mortgage burden.

Historically, the grant applies only to brand new homes or homes substantially renovated so they are effectively new.

Only one grant is payable per eligible transaction, meaning if two people buy together, they receive a single grant combined.

It is important to distinguish the First Home Owner Grant from federal schemes like the First Home Guarantee, which operate differently.

The state grant is complemented by several stamp duty concessions and other financial assistance measures aimed at making home ownership more accessible in WA.

Keep in mind legislative changes may alter eligibility or scheme details over time — always consult with official sources or a local home loan broker for the latest updates.

(Verified with sources as of 2025-08-21)

Eligibility Criteria for FHOG WA

Understanding whether you qualify is the crucial first step to tapping into first home buyer grants WA.

Eligibility generally includes:

• Being a first home buyer (never previously owned a residential property in Australia).
• The property must be a new or substantially renovated home that has never been occupied or sold before.
• The home must be intended as your principal place of residence and occupied for a minimum period after purchase, usually at least six months within 12 months from settlement.
• Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents (check for specifics on eligibility for permanent residents and New Zealand citizens).
• Property price caps apply depending on location (explained in the next section).

Note that the grant does not apply to established homes or purchases of vacant land unless combined with a new home build.

For the latest details and to ensure compliance, consult the Department of Treasury and Finance WA website or your local lending adviser for personalised guidance.

How Much Is The Grant?

The standard First Home Owner Grant in Western Australia as of 2025 is $10,000 for eligible new homes or substantially renovated homes.

However, the grant amount equals the lower of $10,000 or the actual purchase or construction price if it is less than $10,000.

Property value caps differ by region:

• For homes located south of the 26th parallel (including Perth and other major metropolitan areas), the property value cap is $750,000.
• For remote areas north of the 26th parallel, the value cap extends to $1 million, reflecting the diverse housing market conditions.

Funds from the grant can assist with upfront costs like deposits, building expenses, or other settlement-related fees.

Additional state government bonuses, such as building bonuses when combined with federal initiatives, may increase the overall financial support depending on current programs.

For example, Western Australia’s $20,000 building bonus paired with the federal $25,000 HomeBuilder grant can boost eligible first homeowners’ financial help, on top of the $10,000 FHOG — amounting to up to $55,000 in total grants for new home builds (source).

Stamp Duty Concessions in WA

Beyond cash grants, first home buyers in WA can access significant savings through stamp duty concessions.

Stamp duty is a tax imposed upon property purchases, and concessions reduce or waive this, easing entry costs for buyers.

The First Home Owner Stamp Duty Concession in WA involves:

• Full exemption from stamp duty on homes valued up to approximately $430,000.
• A sliding scale concession between home values of $430,000 and $530,000, gradually reducing the amount of stamp duty payable.
• For properties above $530,000, no concession applies strategically targeting affordability for lower-price homes in WA.

These concessions apply only to eligible first home buyers purchasing an established or new home to live in.

Since property prices in WA have appreciated significantly in recent years, these concessions have a strong influence on which homes are financially viable for first home buyers. Learn more about stamp duty waivers in WA here.

Additional State and Federal Support for First Home Buyers

First home buyer grants WA do not exist in isolation—there is a range of complementary state and federal schemes enhancing support for new buyers.

These include:

• Federal First Home Guarantee Scheme: Allows buyers to purchase a home with a deposit as low as 5% without paying lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), an expensive upfront cost otherwise typical on low deposits. Eligibility includes income caps and residency status. More on this scheme.
• Building Bonus Grants: Both the WA and federal governments have offered time-limited building bonuses tied to new home construction to stimulate building activity. Combined, these can amount to up to $45,000 additional to the $10,000 FHOG under certain terms. See more details on grant combining.
• Keystart Home Loans: A government-backed lender offers low-deposit loan products primarily aimed at first home buyers and low-to-moderate income earners. Applications surged notably during 2020-2021 correlating with elevated FHOG applications. Learn about loans in Wellard area.

Overlaying these programs effectively can provide considerable financial advantage, helping reduce upfront costs and monthly outgoings.

Ready for a quick tip? Always check the latest date of force for any government scheme before applying. Rules, caps, and eligibility can change with new budgets or policy reviews. Confirm with official government websites or trusted home finance specialists.

Popular Suburbs for First Home Buyers in WA

The location choice can influence which grants and incentives buyers qualify for, as well as long-term value and lifestyle.

Recent data highlighted several key WA suburbs particularly popular among first home buyers benefiting from FHOG and related schemes:

• Baldivis: Known for affordability, friendly community feel, and excellent transport links including freeway access, Baldivis has been a hotspot for new home buyers. Explore financing options in Baldivis.
• Piara Waters and Brabham: These suburbs near Perth attracted hundreds of grants due to their new land releases and family-friendly amenities.
• Wellard: A growing suburb with increasing housing stock and vibrant community, also serviced by local home finance experts. More on home loans in Wellard.
• Rockingham and Port Kennedy: Coastal suburbs growing in popularity for first home buyers and investors alike due to their lifestyle appeal and housing options. Get Rockingham loan insights.

Picking the right suburb involves balancing affordability, grant eligibility, lifestyle needs, and future value potential.

Navigating the Application Process

Applying for the first home buyer grants WA requires a clear understanding of documentation, timing, and steps involved:

1. Pre-approval & Planning: Consult a home loan broker Perth or local lending adviser early to understand your borrowing capacity and grant eligibility.
2. Purchase or Build Contract: You must enter into a contract to buy or build the eligible property. The contract date is critical for applying under certain state rules (e.g., contracts post 21 March 2025 per recent legislative amendments).
3. Documentation: Prepare identification, proof of residency, purchase/build contracts, property details, and other requested forms.
4. Application Submission: Apply via RevenueWA or through your lender if they offer submission services. Timely submission after contract signing is recommended.
5. Approval & Payment: Upon approval and settlement, the grant is paid either to you or your lender to reduce loan principal.
6. Compliance & Residency: After settlement, you must occupy the property for at least six months within 12 months for grant compliance.

Note: Legislative changes enacted in 2025 mean some applicants settling before system updates might require reassessment or refunds. Stay updated with official WA Treasury info.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a first home buyer grant WA if I’m buying a property with someone who already owns a home?

No. The grant is generally only available to first home buyers who have never owned a property before. If one applicant has previously owned property, the transaction is typically ineligible.

Can I use the grant towards buying an established home?

The WA First Home Owner Grant applies only to new homes or substantially renovated properties that have not been previously occupied.

Is there a property price cap for the grant?

Yes. The cap is $750,000 for areas south of the 26th parallel and $1 million for northern areas of WA.

Does the grant affect my eligibility for other schemes or loans?

The grant is usually combined with other state and federal incentives but may influence borrowing capacity or loan conditions; consulting a home loan broker Rockingham or similar specialist can clarify this.

What if I don’t live in WA but want to buy here?

The FHOG is designed for principal place of residence only. You must intend to live in the property for at least six months to be eligible.

What’s Your Next Step?

Tell us in the comments: How will you apply this to your first home buying journey in WA? For personalised advice, contact us!