Buying your first home is one of life's great milestones. Western Australia offers meaningful government support for first home buyers — including cash grants, stamp duty concessions, and low-deposit lending schemes — but the rules can be confusing. This guide gives you a clear picture of what's available and how to make the most of it.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in WA
The WA First Home Owner Grant provides $10,000 to eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home valued up to $750,000. This is a one-time payment administered by the State Revenue Office of WA. The grant applies to new homes only — not established properties.
- Grant amount: $10,000 (as at April 2026)
- Eligible homes: new builds, off-the-plan, substantially renovated homes
- Value cap: property must be valued at or under $750,000
- Residency: you must live in the property for at least 6 continuous months
- Citizenship: at least one buyer must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Stamp Duty Concessions for First Home Buyers
First home buyers in WA are eligible for stamp duty concessions on established homes valued up to $430,000 (full concession) with a phased reduction between $430,000 and $530,000. For vacant land, full concession applies up to $300,000 and phases out to $400,000. These concessions can save first home buyers thousands of dollars.
First Home Guarantee (Federal Scheme)
The Federal Government's First Home Guarantee (previously the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme) allows eligible buyers to purchase with as little as 5% deposit without paying Lender's Mortgage Insurance. The government guarantees the remaining portion of the standard 20% deposit. Only 35,000 places are available nationally each financial year — apply through a participating lender.
Practical Steps for First Home Buyers
Alongside government support, there are practical steps every first home buyer should take before they start searching.
- Check your credit score — fix any errors before applying for a loan
- Save additional funds beyond the deposit for purchase costs (4–6%)
- Get pre-approval from your lender before inspecting properties
- Engage a settlement agent early — many offer fixed-price first-home packages
- Don't skip the building inspection — it's your protection against hidden defects
- Research school catchments and future development plans in your target suburbs
Starting Your Property Journey?
Our experienced agents help first home buyers navigate the entire process — from pre-approval to settlement. Book a free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The WA First Home Owner Grant applies only to new homes (newly built, off-the-plan, or substantially renovated). First home buyers purchasing established homes can still benefit from stamp duty concessions.
Generally, all buyers named on the contract must qualify as first home buyers to claim the FHOG. If your co-buyer has previously owned residential property in Australia, you would not be eligible for the FHOG, though individual circumstances vary — check with the State Revenue Office.
The FHSS Scheme allows you to make voluntary superannuation contributions (up to $15,000 per year, $50,000 total) to save for a home deposit inside super, where earnings are taxed at just 15%. When ready to buy, you withdraw the savings to use as a deposit.
