First home buyers Perth.
Perth FHBs benefit from WA\'s lower median pricing, generous stamp duty exemption, plus federal Home Guarantee for 5 percent deposit no LMI. WA also has the state-backed Keystart option for borderline-eligible files. We map every scheme you qualify for.
Four reasons Perth FHB has momentum.
WA First Home Owner Grant is $10K (new builds)
WA offers $10K First Home Owner Grant for new-build first-home purchases. Combined with federal Home Guarantee for 5 percent deposit and WA stamp duty exemption, qualifying Perth FHBs have a low-friction entry path into a growing market.
WA stamp duty exemption is generous
Full first-home stamp duty exemption applies under $450K (concession to $600K). Above that, no concession. Perth's lower median pricing means more entry-level stock genuinely falls under these thresholds — unlike Sydney where the equivalent thresholds rarely help.
Perth FHBs benefit from the growth cycle
Perth has been the strongest-growing capital since 2023. First-buyers entering now are buying into momentum rather than chasing a cooling market. The structural drivers (population growth, mining investment, economic diversification) support continued growth through the decade.
Federal HGS price cap fits Perth growth corridors
The federal Home Guarantee Scheme regional price cap for Perth accommodates most growth-corridor stock. Northern corridor (Joondalup, Yanchep), eastern hills, and southern Mandurah corridor all have genuine FHB-accessible options at HGS-eligible prices.
From renter to owner, four phases.
Position + scheme eligibility
Income, savings, target Perth region. We map WA + federal schemes you qualify for.
Lender + structure
Lender selected for your scheme + property type. WA-specific including Keystart consideration where applicable.
Find the property
Optional buyers agent support. Contracts include cooling-off, finance condition, building/pest.
Settle + 12-month review
Conveyancing, settlement, key handover. 12-month review.
Six schemes worth knowing.
Federal Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS)
5% deposit, no LMI. Income caps ($125K single / $200K joint). Perth regional price cap applies. Limited annual allocations.
WA First Home Owner Grant
$10K grant for new-build first-home purchases. WA price cap applies (currently $750K). Doesn't apply to established stock.
WA First Home stamp duty exemption
Full exemption under $450K (established or new). Partial concession $450K to $600K. Above $600K, no concession.
First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)
Withdraw up to $50K of voluntary super contributions for deposit. Federal scheme, same in WA. Tax-effective for PAYG salary sacrificers.
Family guarantor loan
Parent's property equity as additional security. Removes LMI, can let you in with 5% or zero deposit.
Keystart (WA state-backed lender)
WA-specific state-backed lending option for buyers who don't meet mainstream criteria. Income + property caps apply. Worth exploring for borderline-eligible files.
Scheme details from WA Department of Finance, Keystart WA, federal Home Guarantee Scheme guidelines + ATO FHSSS guidance. Thresholds change periodically; we confirm at engagement.
What Perth first-buyers ask us most.
What's the cheapest way to buy a first home in Perth?
Federal HGS (5% deposit, no LMI) + WA stamp duty exemption (under $450K) + WA $10K FHOG (if you buy new build). On a $440K new-build Perth purchase, that's ~$22K deposit minus $10K grant = $12K effective cash needed. Among the most accessible FHB entry points in Australia.
Should I buy new build for the WA FHOG?
If $10K materially helps + you're happy with new-build characteristics (master-planned community, modern but smaller blocks, lower immediate maintenance), yes. Established Perth stock in inner suburbs often has better long-term growth profile though. We model both.
How does the federal HGS work in Perth?
Same as nationally — 5% deposit, no LMI for eligible first-buyers. Income caps + Perth regional price cap apply. Combine with WA stamp duty exemption + FHOG (new builds) for low-friction Perth FHB entry.
What is Keystart and should I consider it?
Keystart is a WA state-backed lender for buyers who don't meet mainstream criteria (low deposit, single income, etc.). Income + property caps apply. Useful for borderline-eligible files but rates are typically higher than mainstream lenders. We assess whether mainstream or Keystart suits your specific situation.
How much do I need saved before approaching you?
For HGS purchase under $450K, around $25K to $35K covers 5% deposit + minor costs. Add $10K FHOG (new builds) and effective net cash is lower. For purchases $450K to $600K, you need closer to $45K to $60K.
Can my first Perth home be an investment?
Yes — many FHB clients buy with both lenses. Live in for 6 to 12 months (minimum owner-occupier scheme period), then convert to investment and upgrade. Perth growth corridor stock often works as both.
I work FIFO — does that help with FHB schemes?
Strong FIFO income often qualifies for higher HGS borrowing capacity. The income caps still apply ($125K single, $200K joint) but FIFO is treated as standard income by HGS-empanelled lenders. The income consistency that FIFO provides actually helps approval.
What if I'm a Keystart customer wanting to refinance?
Keystart borrowers can refinance to mainstream lenders once equity + serviceability reach mainstream thresholds. We assess whether refinancing makes sense (typically saves rate, removes Keystart income caps for future borrowing).
Pair with finance + acquisition.
Buy your first Perth home during the cycle.
Book a 15-minute Perth FHB call.