🏡 Stamp Duty Exemption for First Home Buyers in Western Australia (2025 Update)
If you’re a first home buyer in WA, the rules just got even better.
As of March 2025, the First Home Owner Rate of Duty has been expanded giving buyers access to higher property thresholds and bigger savings.
Stamp duty (or transfer duty) is a major upfront cost when buying property. But with these new changes, first home buyers can save thousands or pay no duty at all.
💰 Full Stamp Duty Exemption – Homes Up to $500,000
If you’re buying a home valued at $500,000 or less, you’ll now pay no stamp duty under the updated First Home Owner Rate (FHOR).
That’s a saving of up to $17,765, money that can go straight toward your deposit or furniture.
⚖️ Concessions – Homes Up to $700,000 (Metro & Peel)
If the property is valued between $500,001 and $700,000, you’ll pay a reduced rate:
📍 In Perth Metro & Peel:
Duty = $13.63 per $100 (or part) above $500,000
📍 In Regional WA (outside Metro & Peel):
Duty = $11.89 per $100 (or part) above $500,000, up to $750,000
🏗️ Vacant Land
For those buying vacant land to build a home:
- No stamp duty on land valued up to $350,000
- Concession for land between $350,001 and $450,000
Duty = $15.39 per $100 above $350,000
The concession phases out after $450,000.
🧱 Off-the-Plan Duty Concession (Extended to 2026)
There’s also an off-the-plan duty concession available for strata and community title dwellings (including townhouses and villas):
- No duty for pre-construction contracts up to $750,000
- 50% concession between $750,001–$850,000
- 50% concession for properties above $850,000
🗓️ Extended until 30 June 2026
👤 Who’s Eligible
To qualify for the First Home Owner Rate, you must:
✅ Be an individual (not a company or trust)
✅ Be 18 years or older
✅ Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
✅ Never owned property in Australia before
✅ Live in the property as your main home for at least 6 months within 12 months of settlement
📈 Example
Say you’re buying a $480,000 home in Perth:
- Standard duty = approx. $17,765
- Under FHOR = $0
That’s a saving of nearly $18,000, just for being a first home buyer.
📝 How to Apply
Your settlement agent or conveyancer will lodge your application with RevenueWA during settlement.
You can also learn more or check your eligibility here:
💡 Pro Tip
Stack this with:
- The $10,000 First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) for new builds
- The 5% Deposit Scheme (no LMI)
Together, these can cut tens of thousands off your upfront costs and help you buy sooner.
🏠 Need Help?
At Home Loan HQ, we help you map out every available incentive so you don’t miss out on a single saving.
We’ll calculate your duty, check your grant eligibility, and show you how to combine it with the best loan options.
📞 Chat to Lendcom and let’s make your first home happen the smart way.