WA Stamp Duty Concessions for First-Home Buyers: Save Up to $27,000 | Broker360

Buying your first home in Western Australia comes with significant upfront costs, but stamp duty concessions can save you tens of thousands of dollars at settlement. Current WA legislation allows eligible first-home buyers to pay zero stamp duty on properties up to $500,000, with concessional rates available up to $700,000 in metro areas and $750,000 in regional WA. This guide explains exactly how the First Home Owner Rate works, what you can save, and how to claim your concession before you sign your contract.

What is the WA First Home Owner Rate

The First Home Owner Rate (FHOR) is a reduced or nil stamp duty rate available to eligible first-home buyers in Western Australia. It is legislated under Sections 141 to 146 of the Duties Act 2008 (WA) and administered by RevenueWA.

FHOR is linked to the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG). If you are eligible or would have been eligible for the FHOG, you will usually also qualify for FHOR. This means you either pay no stamp duty at all, or discounted concessional transfer duty up to a certain property value.

Key point most buyers miss: You do not need to build a brand-new home to access FHOR. You may still qualify even if you are buying an established home in Perth, Peel, Bunbury, Geraldton, Mandurah or other WA locations.

Who qualifies for FHOR

To qualify for the WA first-home buyer stamp duty concession, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• Australian residency: At least one applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• First-time buyer: You and your spouse (if applicable) must not have previously owned residential property in Australia
• Intended residence: The home must be your primary place of residence for at least six consecutive months, starting within 12 months of settlement or building completion
• Price thresholds: The property value must fall within the WA stamp duty concession price thresholds outlined below

If you are unsure whether you qualify for first-home buyer duty concessions in WA, speak with a broker who works with first-home buyers regularly. Getting this right can save you tens of thousands of dollars at settlement.

WA first-home buyer stamp duty thresholds

These are the current FHOR thresholds. They determine whether you pay no duty, reduced duty or full duty.

1. Established Homes and New Builds (House and Land Packages)

2. Vacant Land (Statewide)

If your property or land value sits entirely below the no duty threshold, you pay zero stamp duty. This is one of the biggest financial boosts available to first-home buyers in WA.

Real WA stamp duty examples

Below are real-world examples to help you understand how the WA first-home buyer transfer duty concession works.

Example 1: Buying a $480,000 Home in Perth (Metro / Peel)

You have found your first home in Perth for $480,000. Because the no-duty threshold for houses in Metro / Peel is $500,000, your entire purchase price is covered.

Result: You pay $0 stamp duty. That is an instant saving of roughly $17,000 to $20,000 compared to what a non-first-home buyer would pay at full rates.

Example 2: Buying a $600,000 Home in Perth

You are purchasing a first home in Perth for $600,000. The first $500,000 is duty-free, but the amount above that ($100,000) is charged at the concessional FHOR rate.

The Metro/Peel concessional rate is $13.63 per $100 above $500,000.

Calculation: $100,000 divided by 100 multiplied by $13.63 = $13,630

Result: You pay $13,630 in stamp duty instead of more than $22,000 at normal rates. You are saving around $8,370 thanks to the first-home buyer concession.

Example 3: Regional WA Home for $680,000

You are buying in regional WA (for example, Bunbury or Geraldton) for $680,000. The first $500,000 is covered by the no-duty threshold. The remaining $180,000 is charged at the regional concessional rate of $11.89 per $100.

Calculation: $180,000 divided by 100 multiplied by $11.89 = $21,402

Result: Your stamp duty payable is $21,402. This is a saving of roughly $6,000 to $7,000 compared to standard duty rates.

Example 4: Vacant Land in Mandurah for $390,000

You are purchasing vacant land in Mandurah (Peel region) valued at $390,000. The no-duty threshold for land is $350,000, with concessions up to $450,000. That means only the $40,000 above $350,000 is taxed.

The concessional rate is $15.39 per $100 over $350,000.

Calculation: $40,000 divided by 100 multiplied by $15.39 = $6,156

Result: You pay $6,156 in stamp duty. A buyer who is not a first-home buyer would pay almost double.

Foreign buyer duty surcharge

If any buyer on the contract is considered a foreign person, WA charges a 7 per cent foreign transfer duty surcharge on that person is share. This applies even if the rest of the purchase qualifies for FHOR first-home concessions.

Example: Mixed Residency Purchase

Kate (Australian citizen) and Simon (foreign buyer) purchase a $400,000 home 50/50.

Base transfer duty: $0, because the value is under $500,000 for first-home buyers

However: Simon still pays a 7 per cent surcharge on his $200,000 share

Calculation: 7 per cent of $200,000 = $14,000 in extra foreign buyer duty

Takeaway: If even one applicant is a foreign person, factor in surcharge duty before you sign your offer and acceptance.

How to apply for FHOR

You do not have to wait and hope. There is a formal application process. In many cases your broker or settlement agent will handle this for you.

Step-by-step: Applying for FHOR

1. Complete Form F-FHOG1 (First Home Owner Grant / First Home Owner Rate Application)
2. Submit it through your broker, lender, or via the RevenueWA portal
3. If you are eligible, RevenueWA issues a Form FDA7 approval letter
4. Your settlement agent then lodges the signed contract plus Form FDA7 so the concessional stamp duty is assessed before or at settlement

Refunds if you already paid full duty

If you have already paid standard transfer duty but you believe you qualified for first-home buyer concessions, you may be able to claim a refund.

How to request reassessment

1. Apply for reassessment via the RevenueWA online portal
2. Attach your contract of sale or land transfer document
3. Attach the Certificate of Duty showing what was paid

RevenueWA will reassess and refund any overpaid amount directly to you.

Refund deadlines

• Homes: You generally have 12 months from settlement to request reassessment
• Land: You generally have 12 months from when you start living in the completed home OR 3 months after your First Home Owner Grant is paid, whichever is later

Do not miss this deadline. Once you pass it, the refund window usually closes.

Common first-home buyer mistakes

These errors can cost first-home buyers thousands of dollars in WA:

• Missing the 12-month reassessment deadline and losing your refund window
• Applying before your First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) status is confirmed
• Assuming established homes do not qualify. Many do.
• Forgetting to disclose a co-buyer who is a foreign person (triggering extra duty later)

Pro tip: Always get your concessional duty position in writing before signing a contract. Your lender or broker should walk you through this before pre-approval.

Frequently asked questions