Introduction 

Buying your first home in Western Australia is certainly still a great option. Currently the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is still going strong in 2025, paired with stamp duty relief and other national schemes, this is one of the most accessible years to get into the property market in WA. 

Earlier this year I had helped a friend in Perth buy their first home, she was absolutely shocked by how much easier it got to get in the market if you understand local government incentives. One of the main keys is knowing what you're eligible for and making sure you're able to apply before any of the deadlines hit. 

This guide will break down everything you need to know about the First Home Buyer Grant in WA, how to apply, what are the eligibility requirements and how to maximise your benefit by combining it with other schemes like First Home Guarantee and stamp duty concessions. 

What is the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in WA? 

• A $10,000 grant for first time home buyers purchasing or building a brand new home. 
• Not available for established homes, even if extensively renovated. 
• This applies to newly constructed homes, off-the-plan purchases and owner-builder projects. 
• Property must be valued at $750,000 or less (south of the 26th parallel) of $1 million (north of the 26th parallel) 
• You must live in the home for a minimum of 6 months withing 12 months of settlement or build completion. 
• Grant is completely tax free and will not need to be repaid. 

Who is Eligible for the FHOG in WA?

• As the name implies you must be a first-time home buyer in Australia. 
• Must be at least 18 years of age. 
• Must be either an Australian Citizen or Permanent resident to qualify. 
• Property must be brand-new, never lived in or sold before. 
• Must meet Property Value caps (varying depending on region) 
• You must occupy the home as your principal residence. 
• You cannot have received FHOG before anywhere in Australia. 

Stamp Duty Exemptions & Concessions in WA 

• No stamp duty on homes valued at $430,000 or less.
• Concessional rates for homes priced between $430,001 and $530,000 
• Land valued up to $300,000 also received a full exemption. 
• Potential savings on stamp duty can rise as high as $14,440. 
• Available for both new and established homes - unlike the grant. 

What Property Types Qualify for the FHOG in WA? 

• New builds (contract with builder or developer) 
• Off-the-plan units or townhouses 
• Owner-built homes (with approved construction timeline) 
• Kit Homes and modular homes as long as it has been lived in before. 
• Properties in urban and regional WA - value caps vary by region 

How you can Apply for the WA First Home Owner Grant 

• Easiest way is to apply through your mortgage broker when you get a loan. 
• Alternatively you can apply directly through Revenue WA. 
• Application must be submitted with 12 months of your settlement or build. 
• The grant is typically paid at settlement or during first construction payment. 

Documents you will need:

• Proof of identity 
• Signed contract of sale or a building contract. 
• Occupancy Declaration 
• Proof of completion (if you apply after construction) 

Common Mistakes First Home Buyers Make in Western Australia

• Confusing stamp duty concessions with (FHOG) they are separate programs. 
• Thinking an established home would qualify for (FHOG) - they do not. 
• Not moving in within 12 months or renting out the property too early - this can risk grant repayments. 
• Missing out on schemes by not checking and staying within deadlines. 

Best Practices to Maximise First Home Benefits WA

• Taking advantage of higher FHOG thresholds offered in region WA. 
• Stack FHOG with other schemes like First Home Guarantee and stamp duty exemptions. 
• To prevent hidden costs look and ask your builder about turnkey packages.
• Utilize a mortgage broker to help you navigate WA specific schemes. 
• Remember grant payments can take weeks, apply early to avoid delays. 

Real Life Example : How Ashley Bought His First Home in Bunbury with the help of WA Grants. 

Ashley, a 29-year-old teacher, bought a brand-new home for $425,000 in Bunbury

• Just under the stamp duty exemption threshold. 

Here is the breakdown:   

• Qualified for the $10,000 FHOG. 
• Claimed no stamp duty, resulting in savings of $14,000
• Also used the First Home Guarantee to secure a loan with only a 5% deposit, no LMI. 
• She opted in for a turnkey house-and-land package meaning no hidden costs. 
• She met all residency rules by moving in 8 weeks after completion. 

Between the $10,000 from FHOG,  $14,000 in stamp duty exemption and First Home Guarantee, Sarah was able to secure her place with a 5% deposit and $24,000 less upfront costs than normally expected. 

Should You Use First Home Buyer Grant in WA?

100% without a doubt, although WA may not amount to states like Queensland if Western Australia is your choice of destination these schemes can still save you $20,000 in upfront costs 

Just make sure you remember to keep in mind timing, eligibility and speaking to broker to make the process much more simple for you. If you would like to see if you qualify and for how much for, visit www.homebuyerhelp.com.au to use our free grant calculator and get more free guides and resources like this!