Stamp duty & first home buyer help in Western Australia
What you’ll pay in transfer duty in WA in 2026–27, the first home buyer concessions and grants available, and how to work out your own figure.
How stamp duty works in WA
In Western Australia, stamp duty is called transfer duty and is administered by RevenueWA within the Department of Treasury and Finance. It is calculated on the purchase price or market value of the property and is payable when you buy a home or land. Because WA prices have risen quickly, more buyers are now paying duty, so it is worth checking your figures before you make an offer.
From 7 May 2026, first home buyers pay no duty on a home up to $600,000 and a concessional rate up to $800,000. Vacant land is duty free up to $450,000, with concessional rates to $550,000. If you buy or build a new home you may also get the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant. A specialist broker from our partner network can help you work out your total upfront costs.
First home buyers in WA
- First Home Owner Rate of duty (from 7 May 2026): no duty on homes up to $600,000 and a concessional rate up to $800,000.
- Vacant land for your first home: no duty up to $450,000 and a concessional rate up to $550,000.
- $10,000 First Home Owner Grant for new homes, or the cost of the home if that is less than $10,000.
- Grant value cap of $800,000 south of the 26th parallel (including Perth) and $1 million north of it, for transactions from 7 May 2026.
- You must live in the home as your principal place of residence for at least six continuous months, starting within 12 months of completion.
- The national 5% Deposit Scheme (First Home Guarantee) has had no income caps or place limits since 1 October 2025.
Stamp duty in WA at a glance
Estimated transfer duty at common purchase prices. First home buyer columns assume you meet every eligibility rule.
| Price | Owner-occupier | Investor | First home buyer (established) | First home buyer (new home) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 home | $17,765 | $17,765 | Nil | Nil |
| $650,000 home | $24,890 | $24,890 | $8,075 | $8,075 |
| $800,000 home | $32,316 | $32,316 | $32,300 | $32,300 |
| $1,000,000 home | $42,616 | $42,616 | $42,616 | $42,616 |
| $1,500,000 home | $68,366 | $68,366 | $68,366 | $68,366 |
Estimates only, based on general rates checked 2 October 2026. Excludes foreign buyer surcharges, land tax, registration fees and other concessions. Always confirm with the RevenueWA calculator.
First Home Owner Grant: $10,000
A one-off payment of up to $10,000 for first home buyers who buy or build a new home. From 7 May 2026 the value cap is $800,000 south of the 26th parallel and $1 million north of it.
Also worth knowing
- Foreign buyers pay foreign buyers duty of an extra 7% of the dutiable value on residential property.
- Homes above the grant value cap are not eligible for the grant, but may still qualify for the concessional first home owner duty rate if under $800,000.
- The national 5% Deposit Scheme can help you buy sooner with no lenders mortgage insurance.
Stamp duty in WA: common questions
What changed for WA first home buyers in May 2026?
From 7 May 2026 the duty exemption threshold rose to $600,000 and the concession threshold to $800,000 for homes, with vacant land thresholds rising to $450,000 and $550,000. The First Home Owner Grant cap south of the 26th parallel also rose from $750,000 to $800,000.
Can I get the WA First Home Owner Grant on an established home?
No. The grant is for new homes only, whether you buy one or build one. You may still pay no duty or a reduced rate on an established home under the First Home Owner Rate.
Does the grant cap differ in regional WA?
Yes. North of the 26th parallel, which includes the Pilbara and Kimberley, the grant cap is $1 million, while south of it (including Perth) the cap is $800,000. A specialist broker from our partner network can help you check your property's eligibility.
Buying your first home?
A specialist mortgage broker from our partner network can check your eligibility for grants, concessions and the 5% Deposit Scheme.