If you’re trying to buy your first home in Western Australia, government grants and concessions can save you tens of thousands of dollars upfront—but most buyers don’t fully understand what they’re eligible for. This year has seen a few changes to the different schemes, so here is what you can do in Perth and WA.
This guide gives a breakdown for available home buyer grant and scheme in WA for 2026, how they work, and how to maximise them.
💰 What Grants Are Available in WA?
1. First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) – WA
The First Home Owner Grant is the main cash incentive available.
✅ What you get:
- $10,000 grant (WA standard amount)
✅ Eligibility:
- First time buying a home in Australia
- Must be buying or building a new home (not established)
- Property value limit of $800,000 Perth metro (limit increased from $750,000 in May 2026)
- Must live in the property as your principal residence
⚠️ Key limitation:
The FHOG is only available for new builds—this catches many buyers out with many first home buyers still believing that it’s available for established properties. More information can be found on the Fact Sheet.
🏡 2. Stamp Duty (Transfer Duty) Concessions WA
Stamp duty is one of the biggest upfront costs—but many first home buyers in WA pay little to none. Changes to stamp duty were announced on 12th March.
✅ Full exemption:
- Homes up to ~$600,000 (increased from $500,000)
- Land up to ~$450,000 (increased from $350,000)
✅ Partial concessions:
- Homes between ~$600,000–$800,000
- Land between ~$450,000–$550,000
The concession rates can be found here, but before you get too excited the discounted rate for a $800,000 property will save you $15.50. (Stamp duty is $32,315.50, concessional rate $32,300).
👉 Many buyers don’t realise they qualify—making this one of the most underused benefits. More information in the Duties Fact Sheet.
🧾 3. First Home Guarantee (5% Deposit Scheme)
This is a federal government scheme (previously FHLDS).
✅ What it does:
- Buy with as little as 5% deposit (and 2% if you are a single parent)
- No LMI (Lenders Mortgage Insurance)
✅ Why it matters:
LMI can cost $10,000–$30,000+, so avoiding it is a huge win.
✅ Eligibility:
- No income caps
- Property price limits ($850,000 in Perth metro)
- Must be an owner‑occupier
👉 This scheme exists to make ownership more accessible for lower deposits.
⚠️ Limitations:
- The 5% deposit is plus costs, so you need to factor in stamp duty and other associated costs on top of the 5%
- For those with savings above the 2% (single parents) and 5%, it’s worth noting that you can only retain a certain amount of savings above your total deposit.
🏠 4. Keystart (WA’s Secret Weapon)
WA has a unique advantage: Keystart home loans.
✅ What makes it powerful:
- As little as 2% deposit
- No LMI
- You can use the FOHOG as part of your deposit if building
- Can use with modular homes
- Designed specifically for WA buyers
✅ Current limits (2026):
- Income caps apply ($155,000 single and $228,000 couple or family Metro area)
- Perth property cap $860,000
👉 This is one of the biggest competitive advantages WA buyers have over other states.
🏠 5. Home Buyers Assistance Account
A little known grant that can provide up to $2,000 to assist with fees and other expenses when buying a property of $500,000 or less. It can cover settlement agent fees, property inspection and other related fees. More information available on the Buyers Guide.
⚠️ Common Mistakes WA First Home Buyers Make
❌ 1. Assuming they don’t qualify
Most buyers overestimate deposit requirements
❌ 2. Missing the FHOG eligibility rules
(Especially around new builds only)
❌ 3. Not stacking benefits
Many grants can be used together
❌ 4. Waiting too long
Schemes change regularly and have limited spots
🧠 Pro Strategy: Stack Your Benefits
The smartest buyers don’t just use one scheme—they combine them.
✅ Example strategy:
- 5% deposit via First Home Guarantee
- Stamp duty exemption
- FHOG (if building)
👉 This is how buyers get in with minimal cash upfront
📍 Perth Market Insight (2026)
With Perth property values rising and competition increasing, these schemes are becoming more important than ever.
- Entry‑level buyers are relying heavily on low‑deposit options
- Government schemes are helping offset rising prices
- Demand for grant‑eligible properties (new builds) is increasing
✅ Who Should Be Looking at These Grants?
You’re likely eligible if you:
- Haven’t owned property before (or in the last 10 years for Home Guarantee Scheme)
- Are earning under income caps
- Are buying to live in (not invest)
- Have limited deposit savings
Even if you think you don’t qualify—it’s worth checking.
🚀 Final Takeaway
Most first home buyers in WA don’t realise:
👉 You don’t need 20% deposit
👉 You may avoid stamp duty entirely
👉 You could access low‑deposit options with no LMI
The difference between knowing and not knowing these schemes can be years of waiting vs buying now.
📞 Free Eligibility Check (Next Step)
If you want to know exactly what you qualify for:
✅ What grants you’re eligible for
✅ How much you can borrow
✅ Your minimum deposit required
✅ Which strategy gets you in fastest
👉 Book a free first home buyer assessment with Fox Mortgage Services
No pressure. Just clarity.