Buying your first property is one of the biggest financial moves you will ever make. To help, the government has a couple of programs designed to give first-time buyers a leg up. From the first home owner grant to updated WA stamp duty and federal support options, there are now multiple pathways into the market.

This guide outlines the key grants, concessions and schemes available in WA in 2026 and how they apply to your situation.

What Support Is Available for First Home Buyers in WA in 2026?

First home buyers in WA can access a mix of state and federal support, including grants, stamp duty concessions and national schemes, as outlined below:

WA First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

The FHOG is a one-off cash payment given by state governments when you buy or build your first home. In WA, this amounts to a $10,000 payment for eligible buyers purchasing or building a new home, available for properties under the $750,000 cap (Perth and south of the 26th parallel) and not applicable to established homes.
FHOG eligibility in WA requires meeting ownership history rules, having at least one Australian citizen or permanent resident and living in the property as your principal place of residence.

WA Stamp Duty Concessions

Stamp duty in WA has been updated in 2026 (with concessions extended through to 30 June 2028), with targeted concessions available for buyers purchasing off-the-plan or under-construction properties.
These concessions can significantly reduce upfront costs, but they are not universal and depend on the type of property and how it is purchased. These concessions apply to eligible new strata properties, including apartments, townhouses, villas and similar developments.
While a stamp duty calculator in WA can help estimate your upfront costs, the tables below outline how these concessions apply in practice:

WA Stamp Duty Concessions (2026 Update)

Applies to eligible new strata properties (such as apartments, units, townhouses, villas, duplexes and triplexes) purchased off-the-plan or during construction.

First home buyers grant WA Stamp duty calculator WA Help to Buy Scheme Stamp duty WA First home buyer grant Perth FHOG WA eligibility

Standard WA Stamp Duty Rates (Established & Non-Eligible Properties)

Applies to established homes and any property that does not qualify for the above concessions.

The first table reflects the new 2026 policy update. The second table reflects the standard WA duty system, which still applies in most cases.

Federal First Home Buyer Schemes in 2026

5% Deposit Scheme

This scheme is designed to help you get into the market sooner by reducing the deposit hurdle. Normally, lenders want to see a 20% deposit to avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
Following changes in October 2025, income caps have been removed and availability has expanded, making it a more accessible option. Some buyers, such as eligible single parents, may be able to enter with an even lower deposit.

Help to Buy Scheme

The Help to Buy Scheme is a shared equity option that reduces the amount you need to borrow. Buyers can enter with deposits as low as 2%, while the government contributes up to 40% of the purchase price in exchange for an equity stake. This can significantly lower mortgage costs, but it also means sharing future gains when the property is sold.

What This Means for You in 2026

With property prices still climbing in many parts of WA, these incentives can make the difference between getting into the market now or waiting another few years. If you are FIFO and earning solid income, the schemes are especially valuable because they help turn cash flow into long-term wealth without needing to tie up all your savings at once.

Combine These Schemes with the Help of Motivate Property Group

Buyers may be able to combine the first home buyer grant in Perth and other parts of WA with federal schemes to reduce both deposit requirements and overall costs. Stamp duty concessions can further improve affordability depending on the property type.
The key is understanding which combinations apply to your situation and how each scheme affects your long-term financial and investing position. Navigating these options can quickly become complex, especially when small details determine what you qualify for.
If you are considering your first purchase, speak with us at Motivate Property Group to understand your options and how to structure your approach. Contact our team today to get clear, tailored guidance on what you qualify for so you can move forward with confidence.

WA First Home Buyer Guide 2026: Grants, Stamp Duty & Schemes