Saving a deposit in Perth is harder than it used to be. With median house prices climbing year after year, first home buyers are under real pressure to find every advantage they can. The good news? Western Australia has one of the most generous stacks of government grants and schemes in the country and most buyers only claim one of them.
This guide breaks down every grant available to first home buyers in WA in 2026, how they work together, and the strategies that help you walk in with a smaller deposit and more money in your pocket.
What Grants Are Available for First Home Buyers in WA in 2026?
Before you can stack anything, you need to know what’s on the table. Here’s a snapshot of the key grants and schemes available to eligible WA buyers this year.
1. First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) $10,000
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off payment of $10,000 from the WA State Government for eligible buyers who are building a new home or purchasing a newly built home worth up to $750,000. It’s not means-tested if you meet the eligibility criteria, you get it.
To qualify, you must:
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Have never owned or co-owned a home anywhere in Australia
• Move into the property within 12 months of settlement or completion
• Build or buy a new home valued at $750,000 or less
Applications are submitted through your lender or directly with Revenue WA. If you’re working with a building broker, they can coordinate this as part of your build process.
2. First Home Guarantee (formerly FHLDS) 5% Deposit, No LMI
The First Home Guarantee is a federal scheme administered through Housing Australia that allows eligible buyers to purchase or build with just a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The government essentially guarantees the remaining 15% of your loan.
This is one of the most powerful tools for reducing the upfront cash you need. In Perth’s current market, saving LMI can mean thousands, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars.
For 2026, the property price cap for Perth is $600,000 for new builds and established properties. Places are limited, and they release in batches, so timing matters.
3. Keystart Home Loan Deposit from 2%
Keystart is a WA State Government-backed lender that allows eligible buyers to enter the market with as little as 2% deposit. Unlike most lenders, Keystart doesn’t charge LMI and they’re designed specifically for low-to-moderate income earners who don’t fit the major bank mould.
Keystart loans are available for existing properties and new builds, including house and land packages. Once your equity grows and your financial position strengthens, you can refinance to a mainstream lender.
Keystart income and property price limits apply, but they’re generous enough to cover most first home buyers in Perth’s outer and middle ring suburbs.
4. Stamp Duty Exemption or Concession
In WA, first home buyers may be eligible for a full stamp duty exemption on properties valued up to $430,000, or a concession on properties valued between $430,000 and $530,000. For new builds, the land component is assessed separately, which often means lower stamp duty overall.
This is an often-overlooked saving. Stamp duty on a $500,000 purchase could be $17,000+ without a concession. Combine this with the FHOG and the First Home Guarantee, and you’re stacking serious savings. Talk to our team about government grant support to make sure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to.
5. First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS)
The First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS) lets you make voluntary contributions to your superannuation, then withdraw them (plus earnings) to put toward your first home deposit. You can withdraw up to $50,000 per person under the scheme.
Because super contributions are taxed at 15% rather than your marginal rate, you effectively save your deposit faster. Couples can combine their FHSS withdrawals to access up to $100,000 together.
How to Stack These Grants to Reduce Your Deposit
Here’s where it gets interesting. Most buyers use one of these tools the smart ones use several at once. Here’s how that can look in practice.
| Example: A couple buying their first home in Perth’s northern suburbs, building a house and land package valued at $580,000. FHOG: $10,000 cash grant Stamp Duty Exemption: ~$15,000 saved First Home Guarantee: 5% deposit instead of 20% (no LMI) FHSS: $60,000 combined withdrawal from super Result: They needed roughly $29,000 from savings far less than the $116,000 they would have needed without these tools. |
The key is knowing which schemes interact and which have conflicts. For instance, the First Home Guarantee and Keystart cannot be used simultaneously they each provide a form of deposit support, but through different channels. A finance broker can assess your situation and tell you which combination is best for your income, deposit, and property price.
Timing Is Everything
Several of these schemes have annual place limits that reset or fill quickly. The First Home Guarantee releases places in batches throughout the financial year. FHSS contributions need to be made before you apply to withdraw you can’t do it at the last minute. Starting the conversation early means you don’t miss the window.
New Builds vs Established Properties
Almost all of these grants favour new builds over established properties. The FHOG is exclusively for new or substantially renovated homes. The stamp duty concession thresholds are more generous for new land. House and land packages in Perth are often structured to hit the right price points to qualify for multiple schemes simultaneously.
What First Home Buyers Often Get Wrong
After working with hundreds of buyers across Perth, we’ve seen the same mistakes repeat. Here’s what to avoid:
- Assuming you don’t qualify, many buyers write off grants before checking. Eligibility criteria are often broader than people think.
- Applying too late: Some grants require applications before settlement or during the build. Missing the window means missing the money.
- Not combining schemes: Treating grants as separate tools rather than a combined strategy leaves money on the table.
- Ignoring the FHSS: Few first home buyers know about the super scheme, despite it being one of the most tax-efficient ways to build a deposit.
- Going to one lender: Major banks may not offer Keystart, and many aren’t accredited for the First Home Guarantee. Working with a broker gives you access to a wider field.
If you’re unsure where you sit, our team offers a free strategy session to map out your grant eligibility and finance options. Check out our first home buyer resources or explore how The Property Plug works before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the FHOG and the First Home Guarantee at the same time?
Yes these are two separate programs. The FHOG is a cash grant from the WA State Government, while the First Home Guarantee is a federal scheme that allows you to borrow with a 5% deposit without paying LMI. They can be used together as long as you meet the eligibility requirements of each. A building broker or finance broker can confirm your eligibility across both schemes at the same time.
Does the First Home Owner Grant apply to house and land packages?
Yes. One of the most common and effective ways to access the $10,000 FHOG in WA is through a new build including house and land packages. The total contract value needs to be $750,000 or less, and the land title needs to be in your name before the FHOG is paid. Timing can vary depending on your build contract, which is another reason to work with someone who understands the process end to end.
What is the income limit for Keystart in 2026?
Keystart applies income caps that vary depending on whether you’re a single applicant, a couple, or a family. In 2026, the gross income limit for a couple is around $170,000, and for a single applicant it’s approximately $125,000. These figures are reviewed periodically, and specific thresholds depend on the loan product. The Property Plug team can verify current limits and assess whether Keystart is your best pathway or if there’s a better-fit lender for your situation.
How much can I save in stamp duty as a first home buyer in WA?
First home buyers in WA can save between $0 and approximately $19,000 in stamp duty depending on the purchase price and whether they’re buying land, an established property, or a new build. Properties under $430,000 are fully exempt. Partial concessions apply up to $530,000. For new builds, the land and construction components are assessed separately, which regularly results in a better outcome. Our government grants service includes a full breakdown of what you can expect to save.
5. Can I use my superannuation to help buy my first home?
Yes, through the First Home Super Saver Scheme. You can make voluntary contributions to your super (above your compulsory employer contributions) and then apply to withdraw those funds, plus associated earnings, to put toward your deposit. You can access up to $50,000 individually or $100,000 as a couple. The tax advantage is that contributions are taxed at 15% rather than your marginal rate, meaning your money grows faster inside super. You need to apply to the ATO to release the funds, so plan this well in advance of your build or purchase.
| Ready to Find Out What You’re Entitled To?Most Perth first home buyers leave money on the table because they don’t know what’s available or how to combine schemes. Our team maps your eligibility across every relevant grant and scheme at no cost to you.Book your free strategy call → or call us on 0483 965 555 |