Buying your first home in WA involves more than just finding the right property. Between price caps, eligibility rules and application timing, the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) requires careful planning. This guide breaks down how to work out your potential savings, avoid common mistakes, and submit a successful application through RevenueWA or your lender. We’ll cover how the Perth metro and regional thresholds work, where to confirm the current criteria, and how to combine the grant with other schemes like transfer duty concessions.
How the WA First Home Owner Grant Works
The FHOG is a one-off payment that helps offset the cost of buying or building a brand-new home in WA. Unlike transfer duty (stamp duty) concessions that can apply to established homes, this grant specifically targets new construction to encourage housing supply. Grant amounts and property-value caps are set by the WA Government and can change, so always confirm the current figures at RevenueWA before you budget. Let’s walk through the key variables that affect your eligibility.
Current grant amount and property price caps
The FHOG provides a fixed one-time payment for eligible new builds up to a set property-value cap, with a higher cap applying in northern regional areas of WA. Eligible purchases typically include house and land packages, off-the-plan apartments and substantially renovated homes. Because the exact grant amount and the metro and regional caps are reviewed periodically, check the figure that applies to your purchase at RevenueWA rather than relying on a number you’ve seen quoted elsewhere. Price thresholds are generally based on the property’s market value or the construction contract amount, whichever is higher.
Eligibility criteria for WA applicants
To qualify, all applicants must generally be Australian citizens or permanent residents aged 18 or over who haven’t previously owned residential property in Australia. At least one applicant usually must occupy the home as their principal place of residence for a continuous period after settlement or completion. Your lender or RevenueWA will verify your details; note that WA’s grant does not apply a standalone income test the way some other schemes do, but your lender will still assess income for borrowing capacity. Always confirm the current eligibility rules at RevenueWA, as criteria can be updated.
New builds vs established homes: what qualifies
Only newly constructed homes, off-the-plan purchases or substantially renovated properties generally qualify. A newly built home that’s never been lived in may still qualify if purchased within the required window after completion. The grant excludes minor cosmetic renovations — a “substantial renovation” must genuinely transform the property, not just update a kitchen or bathroom. For house and land packages, eligibility depends on the contract meeting RevenueWA’s requirements WA Government FHOG guidelines.
Using the Grant Calculator
Estimating your FHOG benefit involves more than subtracting the grant from your deposit. The actual impact depends on your financing structure, settlement timeline and whether you also qualify for transfer duty concessions. Below are the key things to factor in when you calculate, using current figures confirmed at RevenueWA.
How to estimate your potential savings
Start with the current grant amount, then add any transfer duty savings if you’re buying land or building. First home buyers in WA may qualify for a full or partial transfer duty concession depending on the value of what they’re buying — you can model this with a WA transfer duty calculator. Combining the grant with a duty concession can lift your total upfront saving well beyond the grant alone. Remember that lenders usually require evidence of grant approval before counting it toward your funds at settlement.
Common mistakes when calculating grant amounts
Three frequent errors skew estimates: using the purchase price instead of the assessed value for off-the-plan properties, missing the occupancy deadline, and assuming the grant applies to land-only purchases (it doesn’t — it’s tied to building or buying a new home). FIFO workers should note that fly-in fly-out arrangements don’t automatically disqualify you, but your Perth or regional property must remain your primary residence. Always cross-check your build timeline against RevenueWA’s requirements — some off-the-plan projects run longer than the eligibility window allows.
Stamp duty (transfer duty) concessions to factor in
While the FHOG only applies to new builds, WA offers separate transfer duty concessions that can apply to both new and established homes for eligible first home buyers, tapering off above a set value threshold RevenueWA duty rates. For a new property you may be able to stack a duty concession with the FHOG, effectively creating a dual benefit. Confirm the current thresholds at RevenueWA, and note that neither the grant nor the concession applies to investment or rental properties.
Application Process Walkthrough
Submitting your FHOG application correctly prevents delays that could affect settlement. WA lets you apply through an approved lender or directly to RevenueWA, each with different processing times and document requirements.
Documents you’ll need to prepare
Gather your identification (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Australian residency, your construction contract or contract of sale, and evidence of your first home buyer status. Couples must provide documentation for both applicants. If you apply through a lender, they’ll typically require your pre-approval paperwork and a signed loan offer. Builders may need to supply a progress payment schedule if construction hasn’t completed.
Timing your application with settlement
For a completed new home, you generally submit your application around contract signing but no later than the deadline RevenueWA sets after settlement. Off-the-plan and construction purchases have their own submission windows tied to completion. Construction loans offer more flexibility — you can usually apply once building is underway, but the payment releases at a defined construction milestone. Applying through a lender is often faster than applying directly, but confirm current processing times with RevenueWA or your provider so your expectations match settlement.
Where to submit: RevenueWA or your lender
Most Perth buyers apply through their mortgage provider, as approved lenders can apply the grant directly to your funds at settlement. RevenueWA handles applications for cash buyers or those using non-participating lenders. Some non-bank institutions don’t process the FHOG — check your provider’s status before signing loan documents. The House & Land Co team can point you toward current WA grants and schemes to simplify your research.
WA-Specific Considerations
Perth’s property market and WA’s resource-driven economy create unique scenarios for first home buyers. These local factors influence how you plan your grant application and property search.
Regional vs Perth metro thresholds
WA applies a property-value cap for the grant, with a higher cap for eligible homes in northern regional areas. Suburbs in the outer metro and Peel region often offer more grant-eligible new builds within a first home buyer’s budget. Because the boundaries and caps can change, confirm which cap applies to your location at RevenueWA, and verify locality boundaries using the WA Planning Commission’s boundary maps.
Keeping up with changes to WA grant criteria
The WA Government reviews the grant’s caps, eligible property types and evidence requirements from time to time — for example, clarifying how modular and prefabricated homes are treated, or what proof of construction commencement is required. Because these details shift, treat any figure you read as a starting point and confirm the current rules at RevenueWA before you commit, especially for custom build projects where timelines are fluid.
How FIFO income affects eligibility
Fly-in fly-out workers can qualify provided their WA property serves as their primary residence. Lenders, however, assess FIFO income differently when determining borrowing capacity — some discount fluctuating roster payments. Your grant application should demonstrate residential ties such as electoral enrolment, local school enrolments or vehicle licensing. FIFO buyers building in growth corridors like Alkimos or Byford should confirm their roster patterns won’t conflict with the occupancy requirement.
Maximising Your Grant Benefits
Strategic planning helps first home buyers get the most from the FHOG. Consider these tactics when selecting properties and timing your purchase.
Combining with other first home buyer schemes
WA generally allows you to combine the FHOG with other assistance such as the Keystart shared-equity pathway and the federal First Home Guarantee eligibility criteria here. Some local councils also run their own rebates for energy-efficient builds — check your local government’s website. Be aware that combining schemes can introduce extra conditions, such as longer occupancy periods, so read the fine print for each.
Choosing grant-eligible builders in Perth
Not all builders structure contracts to meet FHOG requirements. Look for registered builders who provide fixed-price contracts with clear commencement dates and realistic construction timelines. Many house and land package providers in growth areas like Ellenbrook and Piara Waters specialise in grant-compliant projects. Be cautious with open-ended “cost-plus” contracts that could push your final valuation over the property-value cap.
When to get professional verification
Consult a settlement agent or mortgage broker if:
- Your build timeline is long or uncertain
- You’re purchasing a substantially renovated property
- You’ve previously owned commercial property but no residential real estate
- Your partner has owned property, including overseas
The House & Land Co team regularly connects buyers with specialists who can review contracts for FHOG compliance before signing.
Ready to calculate your FHOG savings? Talk to House & Land Co
WA’s first home buyer grants and concessions can save you a significant sum on your first purchase — but only with correct planning and current figures. Our specialists help Perth buyers navigate the caps, application timing and document requirements specific to new builds. Contact us today for a personalised assessment of your FHOG eligibility and how it fits your home-buying strategy.