Buying your first home in Western Australia comes with genuine financial support — if you know what you’re entitled to and how to claim it.
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is the headline number, but it’s not the whole picture. There are multiple grant and stamp duty concession schemes available to WA first home buyers in 2025 and 2026, and the rules change enough that it’s worth understanding exactly where you stand before you exchange contracts.
This guide covers everything — FHOG eligibility, current amounts, stamp duty concessions, the First Home Guarantee Scheme, and how your broker fits into the process.
The First Home Owner Grant WA — Current Amounts
In Western Australia, the FHOG amount is determined by the type of property you’re buying:
| Property Type | FHOG Amount |
|---|---|
| New home (building contract or off-the-plan) | $10,000 |
| Substantially renovated home | $10,000 |
| Established/existing home | Not eligible |
Key point: The WA FHOG only applies to new or substantially renovated properties. If you’re buying an established home (a property that’s already been lived in), you won’t receive the FHOG — but you may still be eligible for stamp duty concessions (see below).
The property must be purchased for $750,000 or less to be eligible.
First Home Owner Grant WA — Eligibility Criteria
All applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Personal Eligibility
You must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (at least one applicant must hold this status)
- Have never previously owned a property anywhere in Australia (this includes vacant land)
- Have never previously received a FHOG in any Australian state or territory
- Occupy the home as your principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 6 months, starting within 12 months of completion or settlement
Joint applications: If you’re buying with a partner or co-purchaser, all applicants must meet the individual eligibility criteria. If any applicant previously owned property in Australia, the whole application is ineligible.
Property Eligibility
The property must:
- Be located in Western Australia
- Be a new home (never previously sold or occupied as a place of residence) OR a substantially renovated home
- Have a purchase price (or construction cost, for owner-builders) of $750,000 or less
- Be for residential use only
Owner-builders: You can claim the FHOG, but the eligible amount is determined by the cost of construction, not the land value. The land + construction combined must be $750,000 or less.
First Home Owner Grant WA — Stamp Duty Concessions
Even if you’re buying an established home (and therefore not eligible for the $10,000 FHOG), WA first home buyers can receive significant stamp duty concessions.
Stamp Duty First Home Buyer Concession
| Purchase Price | Duty Treatment |
|---|---|
| $430,000 or less | No stamp duty — full exemption |
| $430,001 to $530,000 | Concessional duty applies (reduces proportionally) |
| Over $530,000 | Standard duty rates apply (no concession) |
This applies to established homes purchased as a primary residence. It’s a significant saving — stamp duty on a $430,000 Perth property at standard rates would be approximately $14,440.
New Home Stamp Duty Concession
First home buyers purchasing a new home (FHOG-eligible property) up to $400,000 pay no stamp duty. For properties between $400,001 and $530,000, a proportional concession applies.
The First Home Guarantee Scheme (Federal)
The federal government’s First Home Guarantee Scheme (FHGS) allows eligible first home buyers to purchase with as little as 5% deposit — without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
The federal government guarantees the remaining 15% of the deposit to the lender, meaning you effectively have an 80% LVR loan without the 85–90% LVR pricing.
LMI on a 5% deposit purchase can cost $15,000–$30,000+ — the FHGS eliminates this cost entirely.
FHGS Eligibility (Key Criteria)
- Australian citizen or permanent resident, age 18+
- First home buyer (no prior property ownership anywhere in Australia)
- Income cap: $125,000/year for individuals, $200,000/year for couples (based on prior financial year)
- Property price cap: Perth/WA is $600,000 for established homes; higher for new homes (check NHFIC website for current limits)
- Intending to owner-occupy as principal place of residence
Available places: The scheme has a limited number of places per financial year (35,000 nationally). They typically fill during the year — apply early.
How to Access the FHGS
You must apply through an approved lender or mortgage broker. The Finance Agency is authorised to submit FHGS applications on your behalf. Book a consultation to confirm your eligibility.
How to Claim the First Home Owner Grant WA
There are two pathways:
Through Your Lender/Broker (Most Common)
If your lender is an approved agent for the FHOG, they can lodge the grant application on your behalf at settlement. The $10,000 FHOG is then applied to reduce the funds you need to complete settlement — or paid to you after settlement if the loan amount already covers the purchase price.
The Finance Agency can manage this process as part of your loan application.
Direct to RevenueWA
If your lender is not an approved agent, you can apply directly to RevenueWA after settlement. Application must be lodged within 12 months of settlement.
RevenueWA: www.wa.gov.au/service/financial-support/home-purchase-grants/apply-the-first-home-owner-grant
What First Home Buyers Often Miss
1. Timing of Grant Payment
The FHOG is paid at settlement — it’s not money you receive before you buy. You still need your full deposit ready. The grant reduces the cash required at settlement, but doesn’t replace your deposit.
2. Occupation Requirement
You must move in within 12 months and live there for at least 6 continuous months. If you rent it out first, you risk losing the grant and may need to repay it.
3. Off-the-Plan Risks
Off-the-plan purchases qualify for the FHOG, but the property must be completed (and the grant is paid at settlement of the completed property). If the project is delayed past your financial year, it may affect your tax position.
4. Combining Grants and Concessions
A first home buyer purchasing a new home in WA could potentially access:
- $10,000 FHOG
- New home stamp duty concession (0 duty under $400,000)
- First Home Guarantee Scheme (5% deposit, no LMI)
Combined, these benefits can significantly reduce the cash barrier to entering the market.
Perth Property Prices vs. FHOG Caps: The Reality
The $750,000 FHOG cap and $600,000 FHGS cap create real constraints in Perth’s current market. As at 2025-2026:
- Perth median house price: approximately $750,000–$850,000 (varies by suburb)
- Unit/apartment median: approximately $490,000–$550,000
- Inner and western suburbs: typically well above $750,000
Practical implication: First home buyers in Perth’s premium suburbs will often find the FHOG property cap is the binding constraint. Areas within cap that still offer good fundamentals include outer southern suburbs, northern corridor, and selected eastern suburbs.
A broker conversation before you start searching can help you understand which price ranges align with which grants and concessions — and how to structure your borrowing to maximise your position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the FHOG for an established home in WA?
No. The WA FHOG only applies to new or substantially renovated homes. For established homes, check the stamp duty concession (full exemption under $430,000).
What counts as “substantially renovated” for the FHOG?
Most or all of the structural or non-structural components must be removed and replaced. Minor renovations (kitchens, bathrooms) don’t typically qualify. RevenueWA assesses this on a case-by-case basis.
What if I’m buying with a partner who previously owned property?
All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria. If your partner previously owned property in Australia, the application is ineligible for the FHOG (though stamp duty concession eligibility may be assessed differently).
Can I use the FHOG as my deposit?
No — the FHOG is paid at settlement, not before. You need your deposit ready for exchange. The FHOG reduces the cash you need to complete settlement.
Do I pay tax on the FHOG?
No. The FHOG is not assessable income and is not subject to capital gains tax.
If I’ve received the grant in another state, can I claim it in WA?
No. The FHOG is once-per-lifetime across all Australian states and territories.
Next Steps for WA First Home Buyers
- Confirm your eligibility for the FHOG, stamp duty concession, and First Home Guarantee Scheme
- Understand your borrowing capacity — use our borrowing capacity calculator or book a consultation
- Get pre-approval before you start inspecting — it puts you in a stronger position when you’re ready to offer
The Finance Agency works with first home buyers across Perth. Book a free consultation and we’ll map your full entitlement position before you start your search.
Information correct as of May 2026. Grant amounts and eligibility criteria subject to change. Always verify current conditions at RevenueWA (wa.gov.au) and NHFIC (nhfic.gov.au). This is general information only — seek personalised advice for your situation.
The Finance Agency | Perth, WA | MFAA Member