Buying your first home in Western Australia is both exciting and complex. The WA First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) can significantly reduce your upfront costs, but eligibility rules and application processes can be confusing. This guide breaks down the 2024 grant amount, property criteria, and how to combine it with other schemes like stamp duty (transfer duty) concessions. Whether you’re looking at new builds in Perth or the Peel region, we’ll clarify what you need to qualify and how to apply.
What is the WA First Home Owner Grant?
The WA First Home Owner Grant is a state government initiative to help first-time buyers enter the property market. It primarily supports new home construction, though some established properties may qualify under specific conditions. The grant operates alongside other incentives like transfer duty concessions, but each has distinct rules.
Current grant amount
As of September 2026, the WA FHOG provides $10,000 for eligible applicants purchasing or building a new home. This amount has remained consistent since 2012, though price thresholds for eligible properties adjust periodically. The grant is paid directly to your lender at settlement for purchases, or in stages for owner-builders. Always confirm the current amount via RevenueWA’s official FHOG page.
Purpose of the grant: new builds vs established homes
The grant strongly favours new construction to stimulate housing supply. Established homes only qualify if they’re substantially renovated or purchased as part of a land-and-build package. New builds include houses, townhouses, units or apartments that haven’t been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence. Off-the-plan purchases may also qualify if construction completes after your contract date.
How the grant differs from stamp duty concessions
While the FHOG is a cash payment, WA’s transfer duty (stamp duty) concessions reduce taxes on your purchase. First home buyers may access both, but they have separate criteria. The WA stamp duty exemption applies to both new and established homes under certain value thresholds, whereas the FHOG mainly targets new builds. RevenueWA administers both schemes.
Eligibility Criteria for the WA FHOG
Qualifying for the grant involves meeting four key criteria: personal status, income, property value, and first-time buyer requirements. All conditions must be satisfied at settlement or construction completion.
Citizenship & residency requirements
You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and at least one applicant must live in the home as their principal place of residence for at least six months within the first year of ownership. Temporary visa holders and investors don’t qualify. Joint applications (e.g., couples or siblings) are permitted if all parties meet the criteria.
Income thresholds (individuals & couples)
Unlike some state schemes, WA’s FHOG has no income test. However, income affects eligibility for complementary programs like the Federal First Home Guarantee, which caps single applicants at $125,000 and couples at $200,000 annually. The FHOG itself has no such restrictions.
Property price caps by region (Perth vs Peel)
The FHOG value cap now applies as a single threshold per zone (not a Perth/Peel split), effective for transactions from 7 May 2026:
- South of the 26th parallel of south latitude (all of Greater Perth and Peel): $800,000 (previously $750,000)
- North of the 26th parallel of south latitude: $1,000,000
These caps apply to the total property value, including land. Regional boundaries follow the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage’s classifications.
First-time buyer status rules
Neither applicant can have previously owned residential property in Australia, either jointly or separately. Exceptions apply for inherited properties or if you’ve experienced a relationship breakdown. Previous investment properties disqualify you, even if you’ve never lived in them.
How to Apply for the Grant
Applications can be submitted online through RevenueWA, typically processed within 10 business days for complete submissions. Timing and documentation are critical to avoid delays.
Required documents checklist
You’ll need:
- Proof of identity (passport, driver’s license, birth certificate)
- Contract of sale or building contract
- Evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- First home buyer declaration
- Loan approval documents (if applicable)
Owner-builders must additionally provide council-approved plans and construction progress reports.
Timing: before or after settlement?
For home purchases, apply once contracts are signed but before settlement. Owner-builders can apply after foundations are laid but before final payment to the builder. Late applications may be accepted up to 12 months post-settlement, but early submission prevents complications.
Common application mistakes to avoid
Top errors include:
- Missing witness signatures on statutory declarations
- Submitting outdated property valuations
- Not including all joint applicants’ details
- Applying for ineligible property types (e.g., holiday homes)
RevenueWA may request additional information, so monitor your application portal regularly.
Combining the Grant with Other Schemes
The FHOG works alongside several federal and state initiatives to maximise first home buyer support. Strategic combination can significantly reduce your upfront costs.
WA Keystart loan compatibility
Keystart’s low-deposit loans are fully compatible with the FHOG. The grant can count toward your deposit, potentially reducing the required savings. However, Keystart has its own property value and income caps that may affect eligibility. As at September 2026, third-party broker sources cite a Keystart Perth-metro property price cap of $860,000 and income limits of $155,000 (singles) / $228,000 (couples/families) following an April 2026 update — confirm the current figures directly at keystart.com.au before relying on them.
Federal First Home Guarantee overlap
The Commonwealth’s scheme allows eligible buyers to purchase with just a 5% deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). This complements the FHOG’s cash injection. You can use both simultaneously if you meet all criteria for each.
Stamp duty concessions (transfer duty)
First home buyers in WA may qualify for either:
- Full exemption on homes valued up to $600,000 (effective 7 May 2026; previously $500,000)
- Concessional rates on homes valued between $600,001 and $800,000 (previously up to $700,000)
These apply separately from the FHOG and cover both new and established homes. Our stamp duty exemption guide details the calculations.
Recent Changes & Future Outlook
WA’s first home buyer incentives periodically adjust to reflect market conditions. Staying informed ensures you don’t miss opportunities.
2026 threshold adjustments
The most recent changes took effect 7 May 2026: the FHOG value cap for homes south of the 26th parallel (all of Greater Perth and Peel) rose to $800,000, and WA’s first-home transfer duty exemption threshold rose to $600,000, with the concession extending to $800,000.
Proposed reforms to eligibility criteria
The WA government has flagged potential expansions to include:
- Longer occupancy requirements (potentially 12 months)
- Tighter controls on investor conversions
- Indexation of price caps to construction cost indices
The WA Government’s 2026-27 Housing Taxation Package (effective 7 May 2026) has already delivered several of these changes — check wa.gov.au for further announcements.
How to stay updated on policy changes
Subscribe to RevenueWA’s first home buyer newsletter or consult independent advisors like House & Land Co. Policy shifts often phase in gradually, giving buyers time to adjust plans.
Ready to Apply for the WA First Home Owner Grant?
Navigating grant applications while coordinating land purchases and builder contracts can overwhelm first-time buyers. House & Land Co simplifies the process by verifying your eligibility, compiling documentation, and liaising with RevenueWA on your behalf — at no cost to you. Our team stays current on WA’s evolving first home buyer landscape, from Peel region price caps to Keystart loan compatibility. Contact us for a no-obligation assessment of your FHOG and stamp duty concession options.
