First Home Buyer Guide WA 2026: Stamp Duty, Grants and Steps

First home buyers in Western Australia pay no transfer duty (stamp duty) on an established or new home priced up to $600,000, and pay reduced duty up to $800,000, for transactions entered into on or after 7 May 2026. Buyers of a new home may also qualify for the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant. The rest of the process is the same as any purchase: finance pre-approval, finding the right property, a written offer with sensible conditions, and settlement (WA Government; WA Department of Finance).

This guide is general information, not financial or tax advice. Confirm your eligibility with RevenueWA and speak with a lender or broker before you commit.

How much stamp duty do first home buyers pay in WA?

For transactions entered into on or after 7 May 2026, the WA Government set these first home buyer thresholds (WA Government media statement, 7 May 2026):

• Homes up to $600,000: no transfer duty (previously $500,000).
• Homes up to $800,000: concessional duty (previously $700,000).
• Vacant land up to $450,000: no transfer duty (previously $350,000), with a concession up to $550,000.

Eligibility conditions apply, including living in the home. RevenueWA assesses each application.

What is the First Home Owner Grant in WA?

The WA First Home Owner Grant is $10,000, or the price paid to buy or build if that is less. It applies to new residential property that will be your principal place of residence (WA Department of Finance, updated 2 April 2026). Established homes do not qualify. Price caps and residence conditions apply, so check the current rules with the Department of Finance before relying on the grant.

What can first home buyers afford in Perth?

REIWA reported a Perth median house price of $960,000 and a median unit price of $690,000 in August 2026 (REIWA). By size, REIWA’s metropolitan medians for the 12 months to August 2026 were about $540,000 for a one-bedroom unit, $683,000 for a two-bedroom unit and $880,000 for a three-bedroom house (REIWA). That means the full duty exemption reaches many one-bedroom units, while the concession band covers most two-bedroom units. Prices vary widely by suburb.

How much deposit do you need for a first home?

Lenders commonly look for a 20% deposit to avoid lenders mortgage insurance, but many first home buyers buy with less, paying insurance or using a government guarantee scheme where eligible. Budget beyond the deposit for any duty, settlement agent fees, building and pest inspections, and moving costs. Moneysmart has independent calculators for repayments and deposits.

What are the steps to buying your first home in WA?

1. Get finance pre-approval so you know your budget and can act quickly.
2. Research prices using recent sales, not asking prices.
3. Inspect and shortlist, and arrange building and pest inspections on the home you want.
4. Make a written offer with the right conditions. Our guides to making an offer and subject-to-finance clauses explain how.
5. Appoint a settlement agent to manage the transfer and duty.
6. Do a pre-settlement inspection before you settle. See our pre-settlement inspection checklist.
7. Settle and collect the keys.

Should first home buyers buy a house or a unit?

Units sit more often inside the duty exemption and concession bands, and REIWA’s August 2026 report showed Perth unit prices up 22.6% over the year (REIWA). Houses usually offer land and more space. Compare strata levies, by-laws and the building’s maintenance record for units, and land size and condition for houses. Past growth is not a forecast.

Can first home buyers buy at auction or off the plan?

Yes, but both need extra care. Auction contracts are usually unconditional, so finance and inspections must be settled before you bid; see our auction bidder checklist. Buying off the plan has its own risks and timelines, covered in our off-the-plan buying guide.

When you are ready to look, browse current listings or set up a property alert so you see new homes first.

Frequently asked questions

Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in WA?

Not on a home up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 7 May 2026, with concessional duty up to $800,000. Conditions apply and RevenueWA assesses eligibility.

How much is the First Home Owner Grant in WA?

It is $10,000 (or the purchase or build price if less) for a new home that will be your principal place of residence. Established homes do not qualify.

Can I get the grant on an established home?

No. The WA grant applies to new residential property. You may still benefit from the transfer duty exemption or concession.

Do I need pre-approval before making an offer?

It is strongly recommended. Pre-approval shows your budget and lets you make a firm offer, which matters most at auction.