WA First Home Buyers Grant – Everything You Need to Know

This article was last updated in October 2025 and all information is accurate as of this time.

Buying your first home is a major milestone, and for many Western Australians, it’s becoming a little tougher each year with rising construction costs, limited housing supply, and the challenge of saving a deposit.

The good news? The WA First Home Buyers Grant is designed to make that first step easier. Whether you’re building a new home in Perth, buying off the plan in Mandurah, or constructing a property in the Pilbara, the grant can give your deposit a valuable boost.

At QPF Finance, our mortgage brokers work with first home buyers across WA helping them understand the grant, secure pre-approval, and compare home loan options from trusted Australian lenders.

What Is the First Home Buyers Grant (WA)?

The Western Australia First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a $10,000 payment provided by the State Government to help eligible first home buyers purchase or build a brand-new home.

This includes:

• Newly constructed homes (never lived in or sold before)

• Off-the-plan purchases

• Owner-builder projects, once construction is complete

The grant is not available for established homes, but you may still qualify if you plan to demolish and rebuild.

Property Value Limits

• Up to $750,000 for properties located south of the 26th parallel (including Perth, Bunbury, and Albany)

• Up to $1,000,000 for properties north of the 26th parallel (covering Karratha, Broome, and Port Hedland)

When Is the Grant Paid?

The timing depends on your situation:

• For newly built homes – paid at settlement

• For owner-builders – paid after foundations are laid

• For off-the-plan purchases – paid once construction is complete

Example: If you’re building a new home in Perth valued at $720,000, you could be eligible for the full $10,000 grant helping reduce your upfront costs or increase your deposit.

You can find detailed information and forms on the WA Government website.

Who Is Eligible for the WA First Home Buyers Grant?

To qualify for the First Home Owner Grant in Western Australia, you’ll need to meet specific personal, property, and residency requirements. These ensure the grant is used by genuine first home buyers who plan to live in their new property.

Personal Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years old.

• You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (or applying with someone who is).

• You and/or your partner must not have:

  • Previously owned residential property in Australia before 1 July 2000;
  • Owned residential property in Australia after 1 July 2000 and lived in that property before 1 July 2004;
  • Owned residental property in Australia after 1 July 2000 and lived in that property for a continuous period of at least 6 months that began on or after July 1 20024

• The grant can only be claimed once per person or couple.

Property Requirements

• The property must be a new home — either newly built, purchased off the plan, or constructed under an owner-builder arrangement.

• It must be located within Western Australia.

• The total value (including land and construction) must not exceed:

  • $750,000 south of the 26th parallel (Perth metro and southern WA)

  • $1,000,000 north of the 26th parallel (regional and northern WA)

Occupancy Rules

You must live in the home for at least six continuous months as your principal place of residence, starting within 12 months of completion, settlement, or receiving the grant.

If you’re building, this period begins once your home is ready for occupation.

Tip: If you’re unsure whether your property meets the “new home” definition or you’re building in a regional area, your QPF mortgage broker can confirm your eligibility before you apply.

Property Value Limits and Eligible Homes

The WA First Home Owner Grant applies only to new residential properties, including brand-new builds, off-the-plan purchases, and owner-builder projects. To qualify, the home and land together must fall within the state’s value limits.

Property Value Caps

Western Australia applies different thresholds depending on location:

• Up to $750,000 for homes south of the 26th parallel (Perth metro, Bunbury, Albany, and the South West)

• Up to $1,000,000 for homes north of the 26th parallel (including Broome, Karratha, and Port Hedland)

These limits include both the land and the cost of construction, so make sure your combined value doesn’t exceed the cap before applying.

Eligible Property Types

You can receive the grant if you’re:

• Buying a newly built home that’s never been lived in or sold

• Purchasing off the plan, where construction is still underway or just finished

• Building your own home as an owner-builder

• Buying a substantially renovated home, where most of the building has been replaced (as certified by the Department of Finance)

Ineligible Properties

You won’t be eligible for the grant if you’re:

• Buying an established or second-hand home

• Purchasing a holiday or investment property

• Buying vacant land without an attached building contract

Example: If you purchase a newly completed townhouse in Perth valued at $730,000, you could receive the $10,000 grant. But if you buy an established home of the same value, you won’t qualify.

How to Apply for the WA First Home Buyers Grant

Applying for the WA First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is straightforward once you know the steps. Most first home buyers choose to apply through their lender or mortgage broker, as it simplifies the process and ensures your grant application is submitted with your home loan documents.

Here’s what to expect:

1. Confirm Your Eligibility

Check that you meet the personal, property, and occupancy criteria. Your broker can help confirm whether your chosen property and contract qualify before you apply.

2. Prepare Your Documents

You’ll need:

• Proof of identity (driver’s licence, passport, etc.)

• A copy of your building or purchase contract

• Evidence that construction has commenced or settlement has occurred

3. Submit Your Application

You can apply in one of two ways:

• Through your lender or mortgage broker – Recommended for most buyers, as it’s processed alongside your loan.

• Directly to the WA Department of Finance – Using the First Home Owner Grant Application Form.

4. Receive the Grant

Once approved, payment timing depends on your purchase type:

• New homes – Paid at settlement.

• Owner-builders – Paid once the foundations are laid.

• Off-the-plan purchases – Paid when construction is complete.

5. Move In and Meet Occupancy Rules

You must move in within 12 months of completion or settlement and live in the property for at least six continuous months.

Tip: Applying through a QPF mortgage broker ensures your FHOG application is correctly submitted, aligns with your loan approval timeline, and avoids delays in settlement or grant payment.

Other Government Assistance for First Home Buyers in Western Australia

In addition to the WA First Home Buyers Grant, there are several national initiatives that can help reduce upfront costs or make buying your first home more achievable:

• Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) – Allows eligible first-time buyers to purchase a home with as little as a 5% deposit and pay no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Limited places are released each financial year.
• First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) – Lets you save for your deposit through your superannuation fund, benefiting from lower tax on contributions and the ability to withdraw up to $50,000 to use toward your first home.
• Help to Buy (Coming Soon) – A shared-equity program launching nationally in 2026, where the Australian Government will co-invest in the purchase of eligible homes — helping reduce the size of your loan and deposit.

Tip: A QPF Finance mortgage broker can check your eligibility for these programs and combine them with the WA First Home Buyers Grant to help you maximise your savings.

Why Use a Mortgage Broker

Buying your first home in Western Australia is exciting but navigating lenders, government grants, and loan options can be a challenge. That’s where a mortgage broker can make a real difference.

Our experienced brokers work with first home buyers across Perth, Bunbury, and regional WA to simplify the entire process, from pre-approval through to settlement.

We’ll help you:

• Compare home loans from 50+ lenders to find the best rate and structure

• Handle your First Home Buyers Grant paperwork alongside your loan

• Check your eligibility for federal programs like the Home Guarantee Scheme or Super Saver

• Guide you through every step so nothing falls through the cracks

• And our insurance team can even sort out your Home & Contents insurance!*

Unlike dealing with one bank, our brokers have access to a wide network of lenders and can negotiate terms that fit your budget and long-term goals.

With the right broker by your side, buying your first home in WA can be smoother, faster, and far less stressful.

👉 Speak with a QPF broker today to find out how much you can borrow and make the most of Western Australia’s First Home Buyers Grant.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute financial or insurance advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial or insurance product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.
*Costs may apply. Contact a QPF insurance broker for more details