Buying your first home in 2026? How the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant works 

There is more than one type of support available to first home buyers, and each one does something different.

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) provides a one-off payment of up to $10,000 to help eligible first home buyers buy or build a new residential property.

Unlike the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, the FHOG is a cash grant. However, it is not available for every first home purchase.

The grant generally applies to new homes, including homes that are being built, newly built homes, off-the-plan homes and some substantially renovated homes.

It does not apply to established homes.

How does it work?

The FHOG provides eligible first home buyers with up to $10,000 towards buying or building a new home.

Only one grant is paid for each eligible transaction. This means if two people are buying a home together, they do not receive $10,000 each. The grant applies to the purchase or build, not to each buyer.

The FHOG is not income or assets tested, so your income does not affect whether you are eligible. However, you still need to meet the other eligibility rules.

The grant also does not replace the need for a deposit or home loan approval. You will still need to show your lender you can afford the loan repayments and meet their lending requirements.

Who can access the grant?

To be eligible for the FHOG in WA, you must be buying or building a new home and meet the eligibility requirements.

These include:

• being 18 years or older
• at least one applicant being an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• you and your spouse or de facto partner not having previously received the FHOG or first home owner rate of duty in Australia
• you and your spouse or de facto partner not having previously owned residential property in Australia in a way that makes you ineligible
• living in the home as your main residence for a continuous period of at least six months
• generally starting to live in the home within 12 months of the eligible transaction being completed.

For the full eligibility list, see the First Home Owner Grant Fact Sheet.

What types of homes are eligible?

The FHOG is available for new residential dwellings.

This may include a new house, unit, townhouse or apartment, an off-the-plan home, a home built by a builder, a home built by an owner-builder, or some substantially renovated homes.

A new home generally means the property has not been previously sold or occupied as a place of residence.

If you are buying off the plan, the purchase usually needs to be the first sale from the developer. If someone else bought the property from the developer and then on-sold it to you, it may not be eligible for the grant.

Established homes do not qualify for the FHOG. However, eligible first home buyers purchasing an established home may still qualify for the first home owner rate of duty, which can reduce or remove the amount of transfer duty payable.

What are the property value caps?

The total value of the transaction must be within the FHOG cap.

For eligible transactions commencing on or after 7 May 2026, the cap is:

• $800,000 for homes south of the 26th parallel of south latitude, which includes all of Greater Perth
• $1,000,000 for homes north of the 26th parallel of south latitude, which is around Shark Bay.

The total value depends on the type of transaction. For example, if you are buying a new home, it is generally based on the greater of the price paid for the home or the value of the home when the contract was made.

If you are building, it is generally based on the value of the building contract, including variations, plus the value of the land.

When do you apply?

You must apply within 12 months of the eligible transaction being completed.

For a new or off-the-plan home, completion is usually settlement. For a building contract, completion is usually when the home is ready to be occupied.

You can apply after the contract to buy or build the home has been signed and dated by all parties.

Applications can be lodged through an approved agent, such as some financial institutions, or through RevenueWA.

What else should you know?

The FHOG can help reduce the upfront cost of buying or building a new home, but it is only one form of support available to first home buyers.

Depending on what you are buying, you may also be eligible for the first home owner rate of duty or other support, including the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme.