At a Glance
The WA Budget May 2026 places housing affordability front and centre. For Perth first home buyers, the budget introduces expanded stamp duty exemptions, higher grant thresholds and substantial investment in housing supply.
At Fox Mortgage Services, we assess every budget through one lens: How does this help West Australians buy or keep property without overextending financially?
Here’s what you need to know.
Housing Is the Centrepiece of the WA Budget
Housing is the Government’s top spending priority in the 2026 WA Budget, with a $4.7 billion commitment aimed at:
- Improving affordability for first home buyers
- Increasing housing supply to stabilise the Perth property market
- Accelerating land development and infrastructure delivery
This balanced approach matters — because price relief requires both buyer support and new homes coming to market.
Major Stamp Duty Changes for Perth First Home Buyers
Stamp duty relief is the biggest win in this budget.
Updated Stamp Duty Thresholds
If you’re a first home buyer in Perth, you may now qualify for:
- Zero stamp duty on homes up to $600,000
- Discounted stamp duty on homes valued up to $800,000
- For vacant land:
- No duty up to $450,000
- Concessions up to $550,000
For many buyers, this translates into $10,000–$25,000 in upfront savings, improving both deposit position and borrowing capacity.
First Home Owner Grant Rules Improved
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) also received important updates under the WA Budget:
- The property value cap for new builds has increased to $800,000 (south of the 26th parallel)
- Eligibility for stamp duty concessions is no longer tied to FHOG price caps
This removes a major frustration for Perth buyers navigating rising construction costs.
Off‑the‑Plan Stamp Duty Concessions Extended
The WA Government has extended off‑the‑plan stamp duty concessions until 30 June 2028, expanding eligibility across:
- Apartments
- Strata developments
- Community title projects
This supports higher‑density housing and opens more pathways into the Perth property market for first home buyers.
More Homes to Support the Perth Market
Beyond buyer incentives, the WA Budget commits funding to long‑term housing supply:
- $34,000 new homes funded through State and Federal investment
- 11,000 homes allocated to first home buyers
- $1.5 billion in social and affordable housing
- Infrastructure upgrades to enable new land releases
- Support for modular and prefabricated housing construction
From our perspective, improved supply is essential for keeping Perth prices sustainable.
Cost‑of‑Living Relief (Short‑Term Help)
The Budget also includes household relief measures:
- $100 fuel payment for WA driver licence holders
- Free public transport for students and Sundays
- Student assistance payments
- Expanded rent relief programs
However, increases in utilities and government charges mean mortgage planning remains critical.
What This Means for the Perth Property Market
Looking ahead:
- First home buyer activity is expected to rise through late 2026
- Stamp duty savings will increase competition in entry‑level price brackets
- New supply should moderate price growth over the medium term
- Buyers with strong finance preparation will have a clear advantage
Fox Mortgage Services: Our Perspective
The WA Budget creates opportunity — but only if your loan structure supports it.
We regularly see buyers miss out because:
- Stamp duty concessions were misunderstood
- FHOG eligibility was incorrectly assumed
- Lender policy reduced borrowing capacity unexpectedly
A single decision can cost more than the concessions save.
Thinking of Buying or Building in Perth?
Before signing a contract or committing to a price:
👉 Speak with Fox Mortgage Services first.
We help Perth first home buyers:
- Maximise stamp duty savings
- Navigate WA Budget incentives correctly
- Structure loans for long‑term flexibility