Buying your first home is a major milestone, but saving a deposit and covering upfront costs can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that there are several grants, concessions and government initiatives available to help eligible first home buyers in Western Australia enter the property market sooner.
Whether you’re building a new home, purchasing a house and land package or buying an established property, understanding what’s available could save you thousands of dollars.
First Home Owner Grant WA
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is one of the most well-known incentives available to eligible first home buyers in Western Australia.
The grant provides a one-off payment of $10,000 to eligible buyers who are building or purchasing a new home. For properties located south of the 26th parallel, which includes Perth and most of Western Australia, the property value cap is currently $750,000.
Importantly, the FHOG is generally not available when purchasing an established home. It is designed to encourage the construction and purchase of new housing.
First home buyer stamp duty concessions
Stamp duty can be one of the largest upfront costs when purchasing a property, which is why Western Australia’s first home buyer concessions can make a significant difference.
Recent State Government changes have expanded stamp duty relief for eligible first home buyers, increasing both exemption and concession thresholds. The changes are designed to help more buyers access the market as property values continue to rise.
Depending on the value of the property and your eligibility, you may receive:
- A full stamp duty extension
- A reduced rate of stamp duty
- Concessions on vacant land purchases
These savings can amount to many thousands of dollars and may reduce the amount of cash required at settlement.
Government-backed low deposit options
Many first home buyers assume they need a 20% deposit before they can purchase a home.
However, some government-backed home ownership initiatives are designed to help eligible buyers purchase with a smaller deposit than would traditionally be required.
These programs can assist buyers who have a stable income and good financial history but have not yet saved a large deposit. Depending on your circumstances, this may help you enter the market sooner than expected.
Keystart home loans
Many For many Western Australians, a home loan through Keystart can provide an alternative pathway into home ownership.
Keystart was established by the Western Australian Government to help people who may struggle to meet the requirements of traditional lenders.
Depending on your circumstances, Keystart may allow eligible buyers to purchase with a lower deposit and without paying lenders mortgage insurance. Eligibility criteria and lending limits apply.
Building a new home may unlock additional benefits
Many first home buyers choose to build because it can provide access to incentives that are not available when purchasing an established property.
A house and land package may allow eligible buyers to access:
- The First Home Owner Grant
- Stamp duty concessions
- Modern energy-efficient designs
- Lower maintenance costs compared to older homes
Building can also provide greater flexibility when it comes to choosing a floorplan, inclusions and features that suit your lifestyle.
Recent Budget changes benefiting first home buyers
The 2026 Western Australian State Budget introduced further support for housing affordability, including expanded stamp duty relief for first home buyers and additional investment in housing supply. These measures are intended to help more Western Australians enter the property market while increasing the availability of new homes.
As government policies and eligibility requirements can change over time, it’s important to seek up-to-date advice before making any purchasing decisions.
Which incentives could you be eligible for?
- Whether you’re a first home buyer
- Whether you’re building or buying
- The value of the property
- Your income and financial circumstances
- The type of loan you’re applying for
Because every buyer’s situation is different, understanding your eligibility is often one of the most important first steps in the home buying journey.
Taking the next step towards home ownership
With grants, stamp duty concessions and low deposit options available, many first home buyers are surprised to discover they may be closer to owning a home than they thought.
Speaking with a finance specialist can help you understand which incentives you may qualify for and how they could help you achieve your home ownership goals sooner.