First Home Owner Grant WA 2026: The Complete Guide for First Home Buyers

But who actually qualifies? Does it apply to established homes? Can you use it alongside other first home buyer schemes? And what changed in 2026?

The WA Government increased the First Home Owner Grant property value cap for eligible transactions commencing from 7 May 2026, making the grant available across a wider range of new homes in Perth and southern WA. This was part of the broader 2026 WA first home buyer changes.

Here's what you need to know.

What is the First Home Owner Grant in WA?

The First Home Owner Grant, or FHOG, is a one-off WA Government payment of up to $10,000 for eligible people buying or building their first new home.

The grant is not income or asset tested.

Importantly, the FHOG is designed for new homes. It is not generally available when purchasing an ordinary established property.

How much is the WA First Home Owner Grant in 2026?

The maximum grant is currently $10,000.

Only one grant is payable for an eligible transaction, so purchasing with another eligible first home buyer does not mean you each receive $10,000.

What changed to the FHOG in May 2026?

From 7 May 2026, the maximum eligible property value for the FHOG increased for homes south of the 26th parallel.

The current caps for eligible transactions commencing on or after 7 May 2026 are:

The previous cap south of the 26th parallel was $750,000.

RevenueWA confirms that the Perth metropolitan area is south of the 26th parallel, meaning the $800,000 cap applies to Perth. You can read the eligibility detail on the RevenueWA First Home Owner Grant page.

Can I get the First Home Owner Grant on an established home?

Generally, no. This is one of the most common areas of confusion for first home buyers.

The FHOG is available for eligible buyers purchasing or building a new home, including certain substantially renovated homes. An ordinary established home does not qualify for the grant.

However, you may still qualify for the WA first home owner rate of duty, even though you don't receive the $10,000 grant.

For contracts entered into from 7 May 2026, eligible first home buyers can pay no transfer duty on new or established homes valued up to $600,000, with concessional duty available up to $800,000.

So the two forms of help are related but not the same: the FHOG is generally for new homes only, while the stamp duty concession can apply to new or established homes.

What counts as a new home?

RevenueWA recognises several types of eligible transactions, including:

• purchasing a new home
• entering into an eligible comprehensive home building contract
• building as an owner-builder
• certain modular homes
• qualifying substantially renovated homes.

If you're unsure whether the home you're purchasing qualifies as new, it's worth checking before relying on the grant in your finance calculations.

Who can qualify for the WA First Home Owner Grant?

There are a number of eligibility requirements.

Among other criteria, RevenueWA currently requires that:

• applicants are generally 18 years or older
• at least one applicant is an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• applicants hold the required ownership interest in the property
• the property and transaction meet the applicable requirements
• the residence requirements are met.

Previous property ownership also matters.

Your eligibility can be affected by property previously owned by you or your spouse or de facto partner, and the rules depend partly on when the property was owned and whether it was occupied as a residence.

So don't automatically assume that having your name on a property at some point means you're definitely ineligible. Likewise, don't assume you're eligible simply because you haven't owned before if your spouse or de facto partner has.

This is one of those situations where the details matter.

Is there an income limit for the FHOG in WA?

No.

The WA First Home Owner Grant is not means tested, so there is currently no income or asset test for the grant itself.

Your income will, of course, still be relevant to your home loan application and how much a lender is prepared to lend you. Grant eligibility and home loan approval are two separate assessments.

Do I have to live in the property?

Yes. The FHOG is designed to assist people buying a home to live in, rather than an investment property.

Each applicant is generally required to occupy the home as their principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least six months, beginning within 12 months of completion of the eligible transaction.

If your circumstances change and you can't meet that requirement, RevenueWA has notification requirements and may consider certain variations in limited circumstances.

Can I use the FHOG with the 5% Deposit Scheme?

Potentially, yes.

The WA First Home Owner Grant and the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme are separate programs with separate eligibility requirements. RevenueWA specifically distinguishes the FHOG from the federal 5% Deposit Scheme and Help to Buy.

Eligible first home buyers using the 5% Deposit Scheme can purchase with a minimum 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. The scheme currently has no income caps and no waiting list.

For Perth, the Australian Government scheme currently has a property price cap of $850,000.

Remember, however, that the FHOG's Perth property value cap is $800,000. So the different schemes don't always share the same thresholds.

Can I get the FHOG and pay no stamp duty?

Yes, potentially. For example, an eligible first home buyer purchasing a qualifying new home for $600,000 after 7 May 2026 could potentially qualify for both:

• up to $10,000 under the FHOG, and
• no WA transfer duty under the first home buyer rate.

If the qualifying new home costs more than $600,000 but no more than $800,000, concessional transfer duty may apply instead of the full exemption. Our WA Stamp Duty Calculator shows the duty at each price point.

What if I'm buying land and building?

The FHOG can also apply to eligible building transactions.

For a comprehensive home building contract, the total transaction value for the FHOG includes the value of the land plus the value of the building contract and relevant variations.

WA's first home buyer duty rules also changed for vacant land from 7 May 2026. Eligible first home buyers can pay:

• no transfer duty on vacant land up to $450,000
• concessional transfer duty on qualifying vacant land from $450,001 to $550,000.

House-and-land finance can be a little more involved than buying an established home, so it's worth having the complete structure checked before signing.

How do I apply for the First Home Owner Grant in WA?

You must generally apply within 12 months of completion of the eligible transaction. Late applications are not accepted.

RevenueWA currently provides several ways to apply:

• through the online FHOG Application Portal
• through a lender that is an approved agent
• directly through RevenueWA in applicable circumstances.

If you're obtaining a home loan, your lender may be able to process the application on your behalf if it is an approved agent.

Is the FHOG paid before I buy?

The timing of payment depends on the type of transaction and how the application is lodged.

Rather than assuming the grant will be sitting in your bank account before settlement, it's important to include it correctly in your funds position. That's particularly important if your deposit is tight.

At Mesh Finance, we can help work through your purchase funds so you know what money needs to be available, when it's required and what government assistance can legitimately be included.

FHOG, stamp duty, 5% Deposit Scheme: what's the difference?

Here's the simple version:

The best option isn't always one particular scheme.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to use more than one form of assistance.

Buying your first home in Perth? Check your eligibility before you rely on the grant

The 2026 increase to the FHOG cap is good news for Perth first home buyers looking at new homes up to $800,000.

But the grant is only one piece of your overall purchase. Before you make an offer or sign a building contract, it's worth knowing:

• whether you qualify for the FHOG
• whether you'll receive a stamp duty exemption or concession
• whether you could use the 5% Deposit Scheme
• how much you can borrow
• how much deposit you'll need
• how much cash is actually required to complete.

At Mesh Finance, we help first home buyers across Perth and WA put those pieces together.