First Home Buyer | Western Australia

WA Grants & Regional Advantages

Western Australia offers differentiated support with higher benefits for regional buyers, plus strong metropolitan assistance and excellent integration with national guarantee schemes.

5% deposit with no LMI (HGS) $10k FHOG (new homes) Higher caps for regional

What's available to you in Western Australia

$10,000 Grant

For new homes up to $750k

Stamp Duty Relief

Exemption up to $500k (from Mar 2025)

Regional Bonus

Higher caps north of 26th parallel

WA's geographic advantage: Regional properties north of the 26th parallel get $1M caps instead of $750k - perfect for resource towns and northern communities.

National schemes you can pair with WA

Nationwide
Scheme Deposit Who it suits Key benefit
First Home Guarantee (HGS) 5% First home buyers (or not owned in 10 years) Avoid LMI via government guarantee
Family Home Guarantee 2% Single parents/guardians with a dependent No LMI; not restricted to first home
Help to Buy (shared equity, forthcoming) 2%+ Low‑to‑middle income buyers Government equity lowers loan size and repayments
First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Savers building a deposit Tax‑advantaged savings via super

Check current availability with Housing Australia or your broker.

WA Home Guarantee Scheme Property Price Caps

Capital city & regional centres: $850,000
Other areas: $600,000

Updated October 2025.

Western Australia programs

First Home Owner Grant (new homes)

  • Grant: $10,000 for new homes.
  • Metro cap: $750,000 (south of 26th parallel).
  • Regional cap: $1,000,000 (north of 26th parallel).
  • Residency: Must occupy as principal place of residence.

First Home Owner Rate of Duty

  • No duty: Up to $500,000 (increased Mar 2025).
  • Concession: $500k-$700k (Perth/Peel) or $500k-$750k (regional).
  • Land relief: No duty up to $350k, concession to $450k.
  • Timing: Contract dates from 21 March 2025 for new thresholds.

Perth metro vs regional benefits

Perth & Peel (South of 26th parallel)

  • FHOG cap: $750,000
  • Stamp duty exemption: Up to $500,000
  • Stamp duty concession: $500,001 to $700,000
  • Land exemption: Up to $350,000
  • HGS access: Standard First Home Guarantee

Regional WA (North of 26th parallel)

  • FHOG cap: $1,000,000
  • Stamp duty exemption: Up to $500,000
  • Stamp duty concession: $500,001 to $750,000
  • Land exemption: Up to $350,000
  • HGS access: Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee
Enhanced benefits for regional development

WA stamp duty savings examples

$450,000 property
First home buyer pays:
$0
Regular buyer: ~$16,745
$500,000 property
First home buyer pays:
$0
Regular buyer: ~$18,745
$650,000 property
First home buyer pays:
~$2,995
Regular buyer: ~$24,745 (saves ~$22k)

Thresholds increased from March 2025. Regional areas get higher concession caps.

Strategic pathway for WA buyers

1

Choose your location wisely

Consider regional WA for higher caps, or Perth metro with solid urban amenities and benefits.

2

Get the right guarantee

Apply for the appropriate Home Guarantee Scheme stream through your broker - 5% deposit, no LMI.

3

Claim WA benefits

Get the $10k grant for new homes plus stamp duty relief based on your location.

Note: WA's regional properties north of the 26th parallel get $1M caps, providing access to higher-value properties with full grant eligibility.

Regional WA opportunities

Mining & resource towns

  • Pilbara region: Karratha, Port Hedland with mining employment
  • Goldfields: Kalgoorlie-Boulder with resource sector opportunities
  • Mid West: Geraldton with port and agricultural industries
  • Kimberley: Broome and Derby with tourism/pastoral economies

Lifestyle & growth centres

  • South West: Bunbury, Busselton with tree change appeal
  • Great Southern: Albany with coastal lifestyle and industry
  • Wheatbelt: Northam, Merredin with agricultural foundations
  • Coastal towns: Esperance, Carnarvon with tourism potential

Important things to know

The details that matter for your WA application

Geographic boundaries matter

The 26th parallel determines whether you get metro or regional benefits - confirm your location before buying.

New thresholds from March 2025

Contracts from 21 March 2025 get increased stamp duty exemption up to $500k (previously $430k).

New homes only for grants

The $10k FHOG is only for new construction - not existing homes. Stamp duty relief applies to both.

You need to live there

Must be your main residence for the required continuous period. Keep detailed records.

Different rules for land

Vacant land purchases have different price caps than completed homes - check both if building.

Maximise your WA opportunity?

We'll help you navigate WA's location-based benefits, optimise your regional vs metro choice, and coordinate all available supports.

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