As of the recent update on 7 May 2026, eligible first-home buyers in Western Australia can pay no transfer duty on homes valued up to $600,000 and receive reduced duty on homes worth up to $800,000.
Stamp duty is a tax imposed on certain transactions, including the purchase of any property. In Western Australia, the government provides good concessions on it depending on the value of the property.
In this guide, we will explain the eligibility criteria, the process to avail stamp duty concession or exemption, and some expert tips to maximise the savings while buying a home.
What Is Stamp Duty?
Stamp duty (officially known as transfer duty in WA) is a state government tax you pay when you buy a property. The amount depends on the property’s value and whether you qualify for any concessions or not.
2026 Stamp Duty Exemption in WA: What’s Changed
The stamp duty exemption WA rules have had a significant update in 2026. As part of the 2026–27 WA State Budget, the Government increases the limit at which first home buyers pay no stamp duty at all.
From 7 May 2026, if you buy a new or established home in WA valued at $600,000 or less, you pay zero stamp duty. That’s up from the previous $500,000 range. For properties between $600,001 and $800,000, you pay a reduced concessional rate, not the full amount.
These changes can save you up to $22,515 on a home purchase. If you’re buying land to build, the savings can reach $25,390.
Stamp Duty in WA For First-Time Home Buyers
The stamp duty for first-time home buyers in Perth is $0, but there are certain conditions to be eligible.
Eligibility Criteria To Avoid Stamp Duty As A First-Time Home Buyer
To qualify for the first home buyer stamp duty exemption or concession in WA, you must meet all of the following criteria
- You must not have previously owned property in Australia.
- You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Western Australia.
- The purchase must be within the applicable limit of $600,000 or under for a full exemption, up to $800,000 for a concession (as of 7 May 2026).
- You must intend to live in the property as your main place of residence.
- You must move into the property within 12 months of settlement and live there for at least 6 consecutive months.
- Buying as an investment property first will likely disqualify you from the exemption.
- If purchasing with a partner or family member, their property ownership history matters too; even interstate purchases disqualify you.
How To Calculate Stamp Duty?
WA uses a progressive stamp duty scale to calculate the concession. The rate increases with the property’s value. Here’s how you can calculate yours step by step.
How To Apply For A Stamp Duty Exemption
The stamp duty exemption process is handled through RevenueWA. Here’s the step-by-step complete procedure
1- Get A Conveyancer Or Settlement Agent
Getting a settlement agent is important. Your conveyancer typically handles the duty assessment lodgement on your behalf.
2- Your Conveyancer Lodges The Application
They must apply for a duties assessment notice with the local Revenue office within two months of settlement.
3- Provide Your Supporting Documents
The documents typically include proof of identity, the signed contract of sale, evidence of first home buyer status, and the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) application form (if applicable).
4- Receive Your Assessment Notice
RevenueWA will issue a notice, usually sent to the purchased property address or by email, confirming the duty amount (which should be $0 if you fully qualify).
5- Pay Any Applicable Duty
If a concessional rate applies, payment must be made within 30 days of the assessment notice. Stamp duty can be paid by direct deposit, credit card, or cheque.
Expert Tips To Get Maximum Benefit From Stamp Duty Savings
Here are some tips from our experts to get the most out of the stamp duty concession opportunity.
- Finalise your contract timely and carefully.
- Buy property worth less than or exactly $800,000 to avail full exemption or concession in stamp duty.
- Get stamp duty concession WA and the $10,000 FHOG by buying small properties.Â
- When buying with a partner, make sure that neither of you has any ownership history.
- Don’t buy above the fixed range to save on the property price.
First Home Owners Grant & Stamp Duty
Many buyers confuse the FHOG with the stamp duty exemption. They are separate benefits with different rules. Here’s how they differ.
| Feature | First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) | Stamp Duty Exemption/concession |
| What is it? | A $10,000 cash payment | A waiver or reduction of duty owed |
| Applies to? | New homes only (not established) | New and established homes |
| Property value cap | Up to $800,000 (from May 2026) | Full exemption up to $600,000 |
| Who pays? | WA State Government, cash to buyer | Duty not charged (or reduced) |
If you’re buying an established home, you won’t get the FHOG, but you can still get the stamp duty concession. If you’re building new, you may qualify for both. A house-and-land package through a Perth builder is one of the best ways to access both benefits at once.
It’s also worth knowing the FHOG property cap increased to $800,000 in 2026 (up from $750,000). This brings more Perth suburbs within reach for eligible buyers building new homes.
Conclusion
The 2026 stamp duty changes have created one of the biggest opportunities for first home buyers in Western Australia. With an eligible purchase, they will be able to save thousands through stamp duty exemptions and concessions.
Moreover, by understanding the latest threshold, eligibility rules, and available grants, you can significantly reduce your upfront costs and enter the property market sooner.
Whether you’re buying an established home or building from scratch, take advantage of these incentives.
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FAQ
1- How to avoid paying stamp duty in WA?
You can avoid paying stamp duty if you are a first-time home buyer or your property value is $600,000 or less. Besides that, if you’re building new, buying land valued under $450,000 and constructing a home, you may also qualify for a full exemption.
2- How much is stamp duty on $500,000 in WA?
For a first home buyer purchasing a $500,000 property in WA under the current 2026 rules, stamp duty is $0. A non-first home buyer purchasing the same property would pay the standard progressive rate, which works out to approximately $17,765.
3- Who is exempt from paying stamp duty?
First home buyers are the primary group exempt from stamp duty in WA, provided the property is valued under the exemption threshold and they meet all eligibility requirements.
4- When do you pay stamp duty in WA?
Stamp duty in WA is payable within 30 days of when your duties assessment notice is issued by RevenueWA. Your conveyancer must lodge the application for the assessment notice within two months of settlement.
5- Does the stamp duty exemption apply to new builds in WA?
Yes. The stamp duty exemption applies to both new builds and established homes for eligible first home buyers.
