Buying Off the Plan in Perth: Duty Concessions, Risks and Checks

Buying off the plan means signing a contract to buy a home, usually an apartment or townhouse, before it is built. In WA, eligible off-the-plan purchases receive a 100% transfer duty concession up to $800,000, tapering to a 50% concession above $900,000, for eligible contracts until 30 June 2028 (WA Government, 12 March 2026). The trade-offs are time, construction risk and buying from plans rather than a finished home, so check the developer, the contract and the numbers carefully.

This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Have a lawyer or settlement agent review any contract before you sign.

What is the off-the-plan stamp duty concession in WA?

The WA Government’s March 2026 changes raised the full concession threshold from $750,000 to $800,000, with a 50% concession applying above $900,000, and included survey-strata developments. The government’s example was a saving of $32,300 on an $800,000 purchase. The concession runs to 30 June 2028 (WA Government). First home buyers may also qualify for the first home buyer thresholds; see our first home buyer guide.

How does buying off the plan work?

1. Choose a project and a specific home from the plans and display.
2. Sign the contract and pay a deposit, usually held in trust until settlement.
3. The developer builds; this can take a year or more.
4. When the building is finished and titles are issued, you inspect the home.
5. Your finance is confirmed and you settle, paying the balance.

What are the risks of buying off the plan?

• Valuation risk: the bank’s valuation at completion may be below the contract price, leaving you to fund the gap.
• Delays: construction can run late, affecting your plans and finance.
• Changes: the contract may allow some variation to finishes, sizes or layout.
• Developer risk: the builder’s track record and financial strength matter.
• Finance changes: your borrowing capacity or interest rates can change before settlement.

What is a sunset clause?

A sunset clause sets a date by which the development must be completed. If it is not, the contract can usually be ended and the deposit returned. Have your lawyer explain exactly who can end the contract and when.

What should you check before signing?

• the developer’s and builder’s completed projects, and their quality
• the exact plans, specifications, finishes and any allowed variations
• strata plan, proposed by-laws and estimated levies
• where the deposit is held and when it is released
• the sunset date and completion timeline
• whether the duty concession applies to your purchase

Is off-the-plan a good investment in Perth?

It can be, but compare carefully. REIWA reported Perth’s median unit price at $690,000 in August 2026, up 22.6% over the year, but past growth is not a forecast (REIWA). New apartments often carry a premium over established ones nearby, which can take time to close. Investors also gain newer assets for depreciation; see our depreciation and tax guide.

Can you sell an off-the-plan property before it is finished?

Some contracts allow you to on-sell or assign the contract, often with the developer’s consent and fees. Check the contract and the tax consequences before relying on it.

Who helps you buy off the plan?

Our project marketing team works with developers on Perth projects, such as those on our projects page. We can explain how a project works; for contract and tax advice, use your own lawyer and accountant.

Frequently asked questions

What is the off-the-plan stamp duty concession in WA?

Eligible off-the-plan purchases get a 100% transfer duty concession up to $800,000, tapering to 50% above $900,000, for contracts until 30 June 2028.

How much deposit do you need for off the plan?

It depends on the contract; ask where it is held and when it is released. Get legal advice before signing.

What happens if the bank values the property below the price?

You usually have to fund the difference at settlement, so allow a buffer.

What is a sunset clause?

A completion deadline in the contract. If the project is not finished by then, the contract may be ended and the deposit returned.