Buying a first home in Western Australia comes as a major financial step, and government support can make it more achievable.
The First Home Owner Grant in WA provides eligible first-time buyers with a one-off payment of $10,000 to help with the upfront costs of purchasing or building a new home.
This grant has been helping Western Australians enter the property market since its introduction.
Understanding how this grant works and whether someone qualifies can save thousands of dollars.
The grant applies specifically to new homes and comes with clear eligibility rules about who can apply and what properties count.
Beyond the grant itself, first home buyers in WA may also access stamp duty relief and other schemes that reduce the overall cost of buying.
Getting the full benefit requires knowing the application process, avoiding common mistakes, and combining available support programs.
This guide breaks down everything first home buyers need to know about the grant in Western Australia, from eligibility requirements to maximising financial assistance.
Key Takeaways
- The WA First Home Owner Grant provides $10,000 to eligible buyers purchasing or building a new home
- First home buyers must meet specific eligibility criteria and use the property as their main residence
- Additional benefits like stamp duty concessions and low deposit schemes can further reduce costs
What Is the First Home Owner Grant in WA?
The First Home Owner Grant in Western Australia provides $10,000 to eligible first-time buyers purchasing or building a new home.
This state-funded initiative operates under the First Home Owner Grant Act 2000 and is managed by RevenueWA.
Overview of the FHOG Scheme
The FHOG is a one-off payment available to first home buyers in Western Australia.
It applies only to new residential properties, which includes newly built houses, townhouses, and apartments.
The scheme does not cover established homes, vacant land, or holiday properties.
First home buyers must meet specific criteria to qualify.
At least one applicant needs to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
All applicants must be 18 years or older.
The property must be lived in as the primary residence.
Applicants cannot have previously owned or co-owned residential property in Australia.
This includes investment properties and homes owned before 1 July 2000.
Purpose and Key Benefits
The grant helps first home buyers enter the property market by reducing upfront costs.
It makes homeownership more accessible for young families, couples, and individuals who want to stop renting.
The FHOG has no income or assets tests.
This means buyers can qualify regardless of their financial situation, as long as they meet the other requirements.
The grant can be used towards a deposit or other purchase costs.
First home buyers in WA can combine the FHOG with other concessions, such as stamp duty relief on eligible properties.
This combination can deliver substantial savings on the total cost of buying a home.
Grant Amount and Payment Structure
The First Home Owner Grant provides a fixed payment of $10,000.
This amount has remained stable and continues to be available in 2025.
RevenueWA processes all grant applications and payments.
The $10,000 is typically paid as a lump sum after settlement.
Buyers can arrange for the grant to be paid directly to their lender or financial institution to reduce their loan amount.
The payment structure is straightforward with no ongoing requirements after the initial eligibility period.
First home buyers must occupy the property as their principal place of residence for at least six months within the first 12 months after settlement.
Eligibility Criteria for the First Home Owner Grant
The First Home Owner Grant in Western Australia has specific requirements that applicants must meet to receive the $10,000 payment.
These criteria cover who can apply, what type of property qualifies, and where applicants must live after purchase.
Applicant Eligibility
First home buyers must be at least 18 years old to apply for the FHOG in Western Australia.
Neither the applicant nor their spouse or partner can have previously owned residential property in Australia or anywhere else in the world.
The grant is limited to one payment per eligible transaction.
When two people purchase a property together, they share a single $10,000 grant rather than receiving $10,000 each.
All applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents at the time of purchase or construction.
If purchasing with a partner or spouse, both parties must meet the eligibility requirements independently.
Property Eligibility
The FHOG only applies to new residential properties in Western Australia.
Buyers must purchase or build a brand new home that has never been occupied or sold as a place of residence.
The property must be valued or cost a specific amount to qualify.
The grant amount is $10,000 or the actual purchase price if less than $10,000.
Established or second-hand homes do not qualify for the grant.
The scheme specifically aims to support the construction and sale of new housing stock in the state.
Residency Requirements
First home buyers must occupy the property as their principal place of residence for at least six continuous months.
This occupancy period must begin within 12 months of settlement for purchases or completion of construction for new builds.
The property cannot be rented out or used for business purposes during this minimum occupancy period.
Applicants must genuinely intend to make the property their main home when they apply for the grant.
How to Apply for the First Home Owner Grant in WA
First home buyers in Western Australia must apply for the FHOG within 12 months of settlement or completion.
The application can be lodged online through RevenueWA, via an approved lender, or directly with RevenueWA using a paper form.
Application Process
First home buyers have three ways to lodge their FHOG application.
The quickest method is through the FHOG Application Portal on the RevenueWA website.
Applicants must submit this application themselves, as third-party submissions from brokers or settlement agents are not accepted through the portal.
The second option involves using an approved agent.
Many banks and financial institutions in Perth are approved agents who can process and lodge the application on behalf of the buyer.
First home buyers should contact their lender to confirm if they offer this service or check the approved agents list on the RevenueWA website.
The third method is lodging directly with RevenueWA using a paper form.
This option suits buyers whose lenders are not approved agents, those who prefer not to use their lender, or purchasers who are not obtaining finance.
Paper applications can be submitted via web enquiry or mail.
Key Documents Required
Applicants need to provide proof of identity, residency, and transaction details.
Identity documents typically include a driver’s licence or passport.
Evidence of Australian residency or citizenship status is also required.
The application requires contract documents showing the purchase price and settlement date.
For new home purchases, buyers must provide a contract of sale.
Contract-to-build transactions require the building contract and land purchase documents.
Bank account details must be accurate, as the $10,000 grant is paid directly into the nominated account.
If payment goes to the wrong account, recovery may not be possible.
First home buyers should double-check these details before submitting their application.
Timing and Grant Payment
The 12-month application deadline starts from the settlement date for home purchases.
For contract-to-build and owner-builder transactions, the deadline begins from the date of practical completion.
Late applications cannot be accepted under any circumstances.
First home buyers in Perth and across Western Australia should lodge their FHOG application well before the deadline to avoid missing out.
RevenueWA processes applications and issues the grant after verifying eligibility.
Processing times vary depending on the lodgement method and completeness of the application.
Buyers who apply through approved agents often receive faster processing than those lodging directly with RevenueWA.
Stamp Duty Concessions and Financial Assistance
First home buyers in Western Australia can access significant savings through stamp duty concessions, with eligible purchasers potentially saving up to $15,390 or paying no duty at all on properties under certain price thresholds.
First Home Owner Rate of Duty
The First Home Owner Rate of Duty (FHOR) is a concessional rate of duty that reduces the amount of stamp duty first home buyers must pay.
This concession applies to both contracts to purchase existing homes and vacant land for building.
Eligibility for the First Home Owner Rate aligns with the requirements under the First Home Owner Grant Act 2000.
Buyers must meet the same criteria as those applying for the grant itself.
If approval for the grant is not received before settlement, duty must be paid at the general rate.
Once approval comes through, buyers can apply for a reassessment and receive a refund of the excess duty paid.
An online calculator is available to determine the exact amount of duty and concession that applies to specific purchases.
Stamp Duty Exemptions
First home buyers purchasing established properties valued under $430,000 pay no stamp duty at all in Western Australia.
This complete exemption represents substantial savings for buyers entering the property market.
For new builds and land purchases, the exemption threshold is $750,000.
Properties within these price ranges allow eligible first home buyers to avoid thousands of dollars in upfront costs.
These exemptions specifically target first home buyers and do not apply to subsequent property purchases.
Buyers must not have previously owned property in Australia to qualify.
Concessional Duty Rates
Properties above the exemption thresholds but below certain values still qualify for reduced stamp duty rates.
The concessional rates provide partial relief for first home buyers purchasing slightly more expensive properties.
Recent changes to Western Australian stamp duty concessions now benefit almost 5,000 first home buyers each year.
The maximum value of the concession has increased to $15,390, providing meaningful financial assistance.
The concessional duty rates gradually increase as property values rise, ensuring buyers receive some support even when purchasing above the full exemption thresholds.
These rates apply automatically when buyers meet the first home owner criteria.
First Home Guarantee and 5% Deposit Options
The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme helps first home buyers enter the market with a smaller deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
This scheme removes income caps and waitlists as of 1 October 2025.
How the First Home Guarantee Works
The First Home Guarantee allows eligible buyers to purchase a home with just 5% of the property’s value saved as a deposit.
The Australian Government acts as guarantor for up to 15% of the home loan, which means the buyer can borrow up to 95% from a participating lender.
First home buyers must meet all eligibility criteria and work with an approved participating lender.
The lender assesses the application and confirms if the buyer qualifies for the scheme.
Over 248,000 Australians have used this scheme since 2020.
The scheme covers various property types including houses, apartments, and vacant land for building.
It applies to properties in Perth metro and regional WA areas.
Price caps vary by location but accommodate most first home buyer budgets across Western Australia.
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) Waiver
Buyers using the First Home Guarantee avoid paying LMI entirely.
Banks typically require LMI when a deposit is less than 20% of the property value.
This insurance protects the lender and can cost thousands of dollars in upfront fees.
The government guarantee replaces the need for LMI.
This saves first home buyers significant money at settlement.
The waiver applies automatically when approved under the scheme through a participating lender.
Without LMI costs, buyers reduce their upfront expenses substantially.
This makes home ownership more accessible for those who have saved a smaller deposit but can afford ongoing mortgage repayments.
Deposit Requirements
First home buyers need a minimum 5% deposit to qualify for the scheme.
Single parents or legal guardians only need 2% as their minimum deposit.
The deposit must come from genuine savings or approved sources.
The deposit percentage applies to the purchase price of the property.
For example, a $500,000 home requires a $25,000 deposit for standard first home buyers.
Single parents would need $10,000 for the same property.
Buyers must still demonstrate they can afford the loan repayments.
Participating lenders assess income, expenses, and credit history before approving the loan.
The scheme has no income caps, making it available to more first home buyers across different earning levels.
Eligible Property Types and Location Limits
The First Home Owner Grant in Western Australia applies only to specific types of properties, and the maximum property value depends on where the home is located.
Properties in regional areas have higher value caps compared to those in Perth metro areas.
New Residential Property Criteria
The grant is only available for new residential properties, not established homes. This includes homes that have never been occupied or sold as a place of residence.
A new home must be a residential building that someone can live in as their main home. The property needs to be substantially complete before settlement occurs.
Substantially complete means the home has all the essential features needed for it to be liveable. This includes walls, a roof, windows, doors, and basic facilities like plumbing and electricity.
Renovations or additions to existing properties don’t qualify for the grant. The property must be genuinely new construction to meet the eligibility requirements.
Regional vs Metro Value Caps
Properties located south of the 26th parallel have a value cap of $750,000. This includes Perth metro and most of Western Australia’s populated areas.
Properties north of the 26th parallel can be valued up to $1,000,000 and still qualify for the grant. This higher cap applies to regional and remote areas of the state.
The 26th parallel roughly runs through Carnarvon. Areas like Geraldton, Perth, Bunbury, and Albany fall south of this line and follow the lower cap.
Towns such as Exmouth, Karratha, and Broome sit north of the parallel and benefit from the higher threshold.
Off-the-Plan and House & Land Packages
Off-the-plan apartments and units qualify for the grant if they meet all other requirements. The property must be new and not previously occupied or sold.
House and land packages are eligible when purchased together as part of the same contract. Both the land and the construction must be included in the transaction.
The total value of the package must stay under the relevant cap for the location. Buyers need to ensure the combined cost doesn’t exceed $750,000 in metro areas or $1,000,000 in regional zones.
Costs Involved in Buying Your First Home
Buying a first home involves several upfront and ongoing costs beyond the property price. First home buyers need to budget for legal fees, mortgage costs, and various government charges that can add thousands to the final amount.
Upfront and Ongoing Fees
Stamp duty is one of the largest upfront costs when purchasing property in WA. First home buyers may qualify for full exemption on properties valued at $430,000 or less, or reduced rates for homes between $430,001 and $530,000.
Properties above this threshold attract the standard transfer duty rates. Building and pest inspections typically cost between $400 and $600 combined.
These inspections protect buyers from purchasing properties with structural issues or termite damage. Council rates become the buyer’s responsibility after settlement.
These quarterly payments vary by local government area and property value. Water rates are charged annually and cover supply and usage costs.
Strata fees apply to units and townhouses. These ongoing payments cover building insurance, maintenance of common areas, and administrative costs for the strata company.
Conveyancing and Legal Expenses
Conveyancing fees cover the legal work required to transfer property ownership. Most conveyancers in WA charge between $800 and $2,000 depending on the property’s complexity and value.
The conveyancer handles title searches, contract reviews, and liaising with the seller’s representative. They also ensure all legal requirements are met before settlement occurs.
Settlement agent fees may be separate from conveyancing costs. These agents coordinate the final property transfer and ensure all funds are distributed correctly on settlement day.
First home buyers may be eligible for up to $2,000 from the Home Buyers Assistance Account to help cover these legal and administrative expenses.
Mortgage-Related Fees
Establishment fees from lending institutions typically range from $300 to $600. This one-off charge covers the cost of setting up the home loan.
Valuation fees cost between $200 and $400. Lenders require an independent property valuation to confirm the home’s market value before approving the loan.
Mortgage registration fees are paid to Landgate to register the lender’s interest on the property title. This government charge is currently $179.50 in WA.
Lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) applies when borrowing more than 80% of the property value. LMI premiums can cost thousands depending on the loan amount and deposit size.
Some government schemes like Keystart and the First Home Guarantee help buyers avoid this cost by eliminating the LMI requirement.
Maximising Benefits and Avoiding Common Mistakes
First home buyers in Western Australia can access multiple financial benefits at once, but only if they understand the eligibility rules and avoid common application errors.
Stacking Grants and Concessions
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) of $10,000 can be combined with other first home buyer benefits in WA. Buyers can access stamp duty concessions or exemptions alongside the FHOG, depending on the property value and type.
From October 2025, eligible first home buyers can purchase with just a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) through certain schemes. This benefit works independently of the FHOG.
Key combinations available:
- FHOG + stamp duty exemption (for eligible new homes)
- FHOG + reduced deposit schemes (5% deposit options)
- Stamp duty concession + low deposit home loans
The $10,000 grant can be applied towards the deposit or other purchase costs. When combined with a 20% deposit or guarantor, buyers can avoid LMI entirely.
Those using the grant should calculate their total available benefits before making an offer.
Common Errors by First Home Buyers
Many first home buyers in Western Australia make mistakes that delay or disqualify their applications. The most frequent error is confusing stamp duty concessions with the FHOG—these are separate programmes with different rules.
Common mistakes include:
- Applying for FHOG on established homes (only new builds qualify)
- Failing to move into the property within 12 months
- Renting out the property too early, risking grant repayment
- Submitting incomplete applications with missing documentation
- Forgetting that WA has no cooling-off period for property purchases
Two people buying together can only receive one grant per transaction, not two. Applications must include all required evidence of property value and statutory declarations if applying as a couple.
Any errors or omissions in the application will delay processing.
Best Practices for WA Applicants
Focus on properties that meet FHOG criteria from the start. New builds and off-the-plan homes are the only options that qualify for the grant.
Double-check all application documents before submission. Required items typically include proof of identity, evidence of property value, and statutory declarations for couples.
Missing information causes unnecessary delays. Plan to occupy the property as a principal place of residence within 12 months.
This requirement is non-negotiable and must be maintained to avoid repayment obligations. Calculate the total benefits available before committing to a purchase.
Consider seeking advice from a mortgage broker or conveyancer familiar with WA first home buyer schemes. They can help identify which grants and concessions apply to specific situations and ensure all paperwork meets requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
The First Home Owner Grant in WA provides $10,000 to eligible first-time buyers purchasing or building new homes. Applicants can obtain the grant through approved lenders when securing their home loan.
What are the eligibility criteria for obtaining a First Home Owner Grant in Western Australia?
Applicants must be first-time home buyers who have never owned property in Australia. At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
The property must serve as the principal place of residence. Buyers need to move into the home within 12 months of settlement or completion.
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. There are no income or asset tests required to qualify for the grant.
How much financial assistance does the First Home Owner Grant in WA provide?
The grant provides a one-off payment of $10,000. If the property costs less than $10,000, the grant matches the purchase price instead.
Only one grant is available per transaction. Two people buying together receive one $10,000 grant between them, not separate payments.
Can the First Home Owner Grant in WA be combined with other home ownership schemes or concessions?
First home buyers can combine the grant with other government assistance programs. The First Home Owner Grant works alongside stamp duty concessions available in Western Australia.
Buyers may also access the First Home Guarantee scheme whilst receiving the grant. These programs work together to reduce upfront costs for eligible purchasers.
What types of properties qualify for the First Home Owner Grant in Western Australia?
The grant only applies to new residential properties. Eligible properties include newly built homes and substantially renovated dwellings.
Established homes do not qualify for the grant. Vacant land, holiday houses, business premises, and properties with only cosmetic renovations are also ineligible.
The property must be residential and intended for use as the buyer’s primary home.
Are there specific deadlines or time frames for applying for the First Home Owner Grant in WA?
Buyers must apply for the grant before or at settlement. Applications submitted after settlement will not be accepted.
Successful applicants must occupy the property within 12 months of settlement or completion. They need to live in the home as their principal place of residence for at least six continuous months.
How do I apply for the First Home Owner Grant in Western Australia, and what documentation is required?
Applications are submitted through approved agents such as banks or building societies. Most buyers apply through their lender when arranging their home loan.
Applicants need to provide proof of identity and residency status. Documentation showing the property purchase or building contract is also required.
The approved agent processes the application and arranges payment of the grant. Buyers should contact their chosen lender early in the purchase process to discuss the application.
