Buying your first home in WA comes with financial hurdles, but the state’s First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) can ease the burden. This guide walks you through the $10,000 grant’s eligibility rules, application steps, and common pitfalls — with specific advice for Perth and Peel region buyers. We’ll also cover how this grant interacts with other WA first home buyer supports like transfer duty concessions.

Understanding the WA First Home Buyers Grant

Navigating grants and incentives is easier when you know what’s available and whether you qualify. Here’s how the FHOG works in Western Australia.

What is the WA First Home Buyers Grant?

The FHOG is a one-time payment to help first-time buyers purchase or build a new home. Unlike federal schemes, this is a state grant administered by RevenueWA. It currently provides $10,000 for eligible new builds (confirm current amounts at wa.gov.au). The grant applies only to homes under a set value cap, which varies by region.

Who is eligible for the grant?

You’ll need to meet four key criteria: 1. Be at least 18 years old 2. Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident 3. Have never owned residential property in Australia (joint ownership counts) 4. Occupy the home as your principal residence for at least 6 months within 12 months of settlement or construction completion

Couples applying together must both meet these conditions. Investors and those buying established homes don’t qualify — this grant specifically targets new builds, including house and land packages.

How much can you claim?

The grant amount is fixed at $10,000 per eligible transaction, not per person. For properties south of the 26th parallel of south latitude — which includes Perth, Peel, the South West and Great Southern — the home’s total value (land + construction) must not exceed $800,000 as of 7 May 2026. Only properties north of the 26th parallel (Pilbara, Kimberley and far-north Gascoyne) have a higher $1,000,000 cap. These thresholds adjust periodically, so always check RevenueWA before signing contracts.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the FHOG involves paperwork but follows a clear sequence. Most applicants complete the process in under 30 days if documents are in order.

Gathering your documents

You’ll need:

Proof of identity (driver’s licence, passport, or birth certificate)
Evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent residency
Signed contract for a new home build or purchase
Loan documents if financing through a lender
Statutory declaration confirming you meet occupancy requirements

First home buyers using Keystart Home Loans can often bundle the application with their mortgage approval.

Completing the application form

The FHOG application form (available at RevenueWA) requires details about:

The property’s location and value
Your income sources
Construction timelines for new builds
Any other government grants you’re claiming

Double-check entries against your contract — discrepancies cause delays. If building, note that the grant is paid at first drawdown of construction funds, not at land settlement.

Submitting your application

Most applicants submit through their lender during mortgage approval, but you can also apply directly to RevenueWA. Online submissions typically process faster than paper forms. Keep copies of everything — you may need to reverify details during assessment. Processing usually takes 10-15 business days for complete applications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over 30% of FHOG applications require resubmission due to avoidable errors. These are the top three oversights we see at House & Land Co.

Incorrect or incomplete forms

Missing signatures, unsigned statutory declarations, or unchecked boxes are the most common technical errors. RevenueWA cannot process applications with blank fields — even optional sections should contain “N/A” where applicable. Have your conveyancer or builder review the form before submission.

Missing eligibility deadlines

You must submit your FHOG application within 12 months of:

Settlement for turnkey purchases
First progress payment for owner-builders
Completion of construction for contracted builds

Late applications are automatically rejected, even by one day. Set calendar reminders for your key dates.

Not checking property price caps

The $800,000 Perth/Peel cap applies to the combined land and building value. If your home design pushes the total over this threshold — even by $1 — you forfeit the grant. Always run the numbers with your builder before finalising plans.

After You Apply

Knowing what happens post-submission helps manage expectations during the waiting period.

How long does approval take?

Standard processing takes 10-15 business days for online applications, longer for paper submissions. Complex cases (like owner-builders) may take up to 30 days. You’ll receive written confirmation once approved — the funds are usually released at settlement or first construction drawdown.

What happens if your application is rejected?

RevenueWA will explain rejection reasons in writing. Common issues include:

Property value exceeding caps
Inadequate proof of residency
Prior property ownership discovered

You can appeal within 60 days by providing additional evidence. Many rejections stem from simple document gaps that are easily rectified.

Next steps after approval

Once approved: 1. Notify your lender if applying through a bank 2. Confirm payment timing (varies by purchase type) 3. Prepare for occupancy requirements 4. Explore other first home buyer supports

Keep your approval letter with property deeds — you may need it for future refinancing or tax purposes.

Additional WA First Home Buyer Support

The FHOG works alongside other programs to reduce upfront costs. Here’s how they interact.

Stamp duty (transfer duty) concessions

WA offers transfer duty exemptions for first home buyers purchasing homes under $600,000, with partial concessions up to $800,000 (effective 7 May 2026). This is separate from the FHOG but can be claimed simultaneously — potentially saving up to $22,515 on a home, or up to $25,390 on land plus a new build. Our stamp duty guide explains the calculations.

Keystart Home Loans

This WA government program helps buyers with smaller deposits (as low as 2%) access home loans. Keystart applicants can bundle FHOG applications, streamlining paperwork. Income and property value limits apply — see Keystart’s website for current thresholds.

Perth and Peel region price caps

Both the FHOG and transfer duty concessions use geographic price thresholds:

Perth/Peel/South West/Great Southern (south of the 26th parallel): $800,000 FHOG cap, transfer duty exemption up to $600,000 and concessional rates up to $800,000
Pilbara, Kimberley and far-north Gascoyne (north of the 26th parallel): $1,000,000 FHOG cap

These boundaries follow the WA government’s regional zoning maps. Properties in growth corridors like Byford or Alkimos often maximise both grants’ benefits.

Ready to apply for your first home grant? Talk to House & Land Co

The FHOG application process works best when coordinated with your home purchase timeline and other incentives. Our team helps Perth first home buyers navigate grants, construction contracts, and financing as a single strategy. Contact us for a no-obligation review of your eligibility and potential savings.