A Complete Guide on Eligibility, Application & Extra Help to Buy Your First Property
Check to see if you are eligible for a home loan
Thinking about buying your first home in Western Australia? The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) — or as most people call it, the First Home Buyers Grant — could give you a real boost. It’s a one-off payment of up to $10,000 to help cover some of those upfront costs and make getting your first home a bit easier.
In this expert-written guide, we’ll walk you through how it works, who can get it, and how to make sure you get every dollar you’re entitled to.
Let’s dive in…
Buying your first home in Western Australia can feel overwhelming. The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) simplifies the process with clear, upfront benefits. Here’s a quick snapshot to help you understand what’s available, who qualifies, and how to apply.
The WA First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is designed to help first-time buyers get a foothold in the property market. However, not everyone automatically qualifies. You must meet specific eligibility requirements regarding first home buyer status, property type and value, residency, and age. Meeting these rules is essential, or your application will be denied.
At the time of application, all buyers must:
Exceptions exist for previous ownership due to legal requirements, such as divorce settlements. In these cases, you may still qualify as a first home buyer.This allows people affected by legal proceedings to still access support without penalty.
To qualify, at least one applicant must:
All persons listed on the title must be:
Under section 9A(2) of the FHOG Act, the Commissioner may grant an exemption from the age requirement if satisfied that:
In such cases, applicants under 18 may be required to provide substantial evidence of their financial independence and commitment to the residency requirements. This includes proof of income, employment, and the ability to meet loan obligations if applicable.
The FHOG only applies to newly constructed homes — not established properties.
The WA First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) provides up to $10,000 per eligible transaction. This amount applies whether you are buying off the plan, building on vacant land, or constructing a new home.
The grant is paid as a one-time lump sum per approved application, giving you flexibility to use it where it matters most. You can use the $10,000 to:
Ultimately, the FHOG is designed to help first-time buyers ease the financial pressure of entering the property market. You have the freedom to apply the funds wherever they are most needed, once construction is complete or settlement occurs.
Check to see if you are eligible for a home loan
Applying for the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) in WA doesn’t have to be complicated. Following these steps helps ensure fast assessment and payment of your grant.
Before applying, check that you meet the first home buyer criteria for WA. This includes verifying:
Confirming eligibility early prevents delays and reduces the risk of your application being rejected.
Gather all necessary documents before submitting your application. Common requirements include:
Having your documents ready streamlines processing and ensures you can lodge without delays.
You can submit your application directly via the State Revenue Office (Revenue WA) online portal or through an approved agent or mortgage broker, such as Hunter Galloway.
Using a broker often simplifies documentation checks, helps avoid errors, and speeds up processing. Hunter Galloway’s property finance experts can handle your entire FHOG application on your behalf, guiding you through each step.
Once your application is lodged, you’ll receive a Unique Identification Number (UIN). Always quote this number when contacting Revenue WA to check status updates or timelines.
The FHOG is paid once your home is complete:
Funds can be paid directly to your bank account or to your lender along with your home loan payout.
Regardless of the payment method, the $10,000 grant helps reduce upfront costs and gives first-time buyers a financial boost to start their homeownership journey.
While the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) provides a $10,000 boost for first-time buyers in WA, you must meet certain conditions to keep it. Failing to do so may require repayment or penalties. Understanding these rules early can save stress and money.
If you don’t occupy the home within 12 months of settlement or construction completion, Revenue WA may require you to repay the grant.
The property must also be your principal place of residence for at least six continuous months. Not meeting this residency period can trigger repayment.
Providing false or misleading information on your application is a serious offence under WA law. Penalties include fines and repayment of the grant, so it’s crucial to be accurate and honest.
Life can change after buying a home. If you sell early, relocate for work, or experience a relationship breakdown, you may still be able to comply with FHOG rules. In some cases, the Commissioner may allow a shorter residency period, a delayed move-in, or exempt certain joint applicants.
To request an exemption, reduction, or extension of the residency requirement, you must submit Form F-FHOG2: Reduction or Extension Application: Residence Requirements to Revenue WA. Always notify Revenue WA in writing within 30 days of realizing you cannot meet the standard conditions.
If repayment is required, the full amount must be returned to Revenue WA. Payments can be made via:
If you haven’t received an assessment notice, contact Revenue WA for guidance on the next steps.
For questions or support, you can contact Revenue WA on www.wa.gov.au
Following these rules ensures you keep the grant, avoid penalties, and remain compliant with WA’s FHOG program.
In addition to the $10,000 First Home Owners Grant (FHOG), first-time buyers in Western Australia can save thousands through stamp duty (transfer duty) exemptions or discounts. These concessions make purchasing your first home even more affordable.
For residential properties:
For vacant land:
Combining the FHOG with stamp duty savings can make a significant difference. For example, a first home buyer purchasing a $420,000 new home could save over $14,000 in stamp duty and also receive the $10,000 FHOG, bringing the total benefit to $24,000.
These savings can help cover your deposit, fees, or initial home costs, giving you a stronger start on the property ladder.
First home buyers in WA can access several additional schemes beyond the $10,000 FHOG. These programs are designed to reduce upfront costs, lower deposits, and make homeownership more achievable.
Part of the national Home Guarantee Scheme, this program lets you buy a home with only a 5% deposit. It’s available not just for first-time buyers, but also for those who haven’t owned property in Australia in the last 10 years, giving more people the chance to enter the property market.
This scheme is specifically for buyers in regional WA areas. Like the standard First Home Guarantee, it requires just a 5% deposit. It encourages development and homeownership outside major metropolitan areas.
Designed for single parents or guardians, this program allows you to purchase a home with a deposit as low as 2%. You don’t need to currently own property, and it doesn’t matter if you plan to retain another property. This guarantee supports families in achieving their first home.
This government initiative helps you save up to $50,000 for your deposit using your superannuation. Contributions benefit from tax advantages, allowing first-time buyers to grow their deposit faster and more efficiently.
Under this program, the government can co-invest in your home to improve affordability. It covers up to 40% of new builds and 30% of established properties, with 10,000 spots available per year for eligible applicants. This reduces upfront costs and loan size, making homeownership more achievable sooner.
These schemes can be combined with the FHOG and stamp duty concessions to create significant financial benefits. Together, they make WA first home ownership more attainable for a wide range of buyers.
Would you like to learn about your situation?
The maximum First Home Owners Grant WA amount is $10,000 per eligible application. It applies to newly built homes or units — whether you’re building on vacant land, constructing a new property, or buying off the plan. The grant is a one-time payment, available only once per applicant.
To boost your chances of success:
Review your forms carefully to prevent errors that could slow approval.
It depends on the property value:
This means many first home buyers in Perth and WA save thousands on stamp duty in addition to receiving the $10,000 FHOG.
No. You can’t use the First Home Owners Grant Perth or WA to buy land by itself. The grant only applies once you start building or buy a newly constructed home.
No. The First Home Buyers Grant Perth only applies to newly built or substantially renovated homes that have never been lived in before. Buying an older or established home does not qualify.
No. There are no income or asset restrictions for the WA First Home Owners Grant. You can apply regardless of your income or savings.
If you don’t live in your new property for at least six continuous months within 12 months of settlement or completion, you may need to repay the grant. Always contact Revenue WA if your living situation changes.
Yes. Couples, partners, or friends can apply together as long as neither has previously owned property or received the First Home Owners Grant Perth or WA.
If you apply through your lender, the payment usually arrives at settlement (for purchases) or after construction completion (for new builds). Direct applications to Revenue WA typically take 4–6 weeks.
Yes. Owner-builders can qualify if the total building value meets the WA FHOG property limits and all building documentation — like permits and contracts — is submitted correctly.
Yes. Many first home buyers in Perth and regional WA combine the First Home Owners Grant with other programs such as the First Home Guarantee (5% deposit), Regional First Home Guarantee, or WA stamp duty concessions for even greater savings.
The First Home Buyers Grant Perth follows the same $10,000 amount as regional WA, but the property value cap differs. In Perth (below the 26th parallel), the total home and land value must be $750,000 or less. In regional areas above the 26th parallel, it increases to $1 million. This ensures the grant supports affordability across different housing markets.
Becoming a first time property owner can feel overwhelming with so much to organize, plan for and understand. Questions pop up everywhere about eligibility, process, purchasing costs and more. Questions better answered by experts versus tackling all alone.
That’s why Western Australians have trusted Hunter Galloway for over 10 years as specialist first home buyer finance partners. Speak to our property finance experts for personalised step-by-step guidance tailored to your unique home ownership goals and circumstances.
We de-mystify eligibility particulars, paperwork demands, application nuances and available financial support so you can feel fully empowered, informed and ready to take the first home leap with confidence.
If you want to get started, please give us a call on 1300 088 065 or book a free assessment online to see how we can help.
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