First home buyers Perth.
Perth first home buyers benefit from WA's lower median pricing, no stamp duty up to $600K, plus the federal 5% Deposit Scheme for a 5 percent deposit with 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 homes)
WA pays first home buyers a $10,000 grant on a new home, with the value cap lifted to $800,000 from 7 May 2026 (source: WA Government). Combined with the federal 5% Deposit Scheme and the WA stamp duty exemption, qualifying Perth first home buyers have a low-friction entry path into a growing market.
WA stamp duty exemption is generous
From 7 May 2026, first home buyers pay no stamp duty up to $600,000 and a concessional rate up to $800,000, new or established, anywhere in WA (source: WA Government). Perth's lower median pricing means more entry-level stock genuinely falls under these thresholds.
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.
The 5% Deposit Scheme cap fits Perth growth corridors
The 5% Deposit Scheme price cap for Perth is $850,000 (source: Housing Australia), which accommodates most growth-corridor stock. Northern corridor (Joondalup, Yanchep), eastern hills, and southern Mandurah corridor all have genuine first home options under it.
From renter to owner, four phases.
Position + scheme eligibility
Income, savings, target Perth region. We map WA + federal schemes you qualify for.
Finance through a licensed broker
We refer you to a licensed broker in our network, who picks a lender that accepts your scheme and property type, including Keystart where it fits. EWC takes no commission on your loan.
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.
Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
5% deposit with no lenders mortgage insurance. No income caps and unlimited places since 1 October 2025. Price cap $850,000 in Perth, $600,000 in the rest of WA (source: Housing Australia).
WA First Home Owner Grant
$10,000 toward a new home, value cap $800,000 from 7 May 2026. The grant for established homes ended on 30 September 2025 (source: WA Government).
WA first home stamp duty exemption
From 7 May 2026: no duty on a home up to $600,000 and a concessional rate up to $800,000, new or established; vacant land, no duty up to $450,000 and concessional up to $550,000 (source: WA Government).
First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)
Release up to $50,000 of voluntary super contributions toward a deposit, counting up to $15,000 from any one year. Federal scheme, the same in WA (source: ATO).
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 the WA Government, Keystart, Housing Australia and the ATO, checked November 2026. 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?
The 5% Deposit Scheme (5% deposit, no LMI), the WA stamp duty exemption (no duty up to $600K) and, on a new home, the $10K WA grant. On a $580K new Perth home, that's a $29K deposit with the $10K grant toward it, plus legal and loan costs. Among the most accessible first home entry points in Australia.
Should I buy new build for the WA FHOG?
If the $10K grant makes a real difference to your deposit, and you like what new homes offer (master-planned communities, modern layouts, lower maintenance), yes. Since 30 September 2025 the WA grant only applies to new homes. We model your options either way.
How does the 5% Deposit Scheme work in Perth?
5% deposit and no lenders mortgage insurance for eligible first home buyers. Since 1 October 2025 there are no income caps and no limit on places, and the Perth price cap is $850,000 (source: Housing Australia). Combine it with the WA stamp duty exemption and, for new homes, the grant.
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. A licensed broker in our network assesses whether mainstream or Keystart suits your situation.
How much do I need saved before approaching you?
Under $600K, around $30K to $40K covers the 5% deposit and minor costs, with no stamp duty. Add the $10K grant on a new home and your net cash need is lower. From $600K to $800K you pay concessional duty, so closer to $45K to $65K.
Can my first Perth home be an investment?
It has to be your home first. The grant, the stamp duty concession and the 5% Deposit Scheme all expect you to move in, usually within a year, and to stay for a set period (6 to 12 months depending on the scheme); breaking that can mean paying the benefit back. After that, many buyers keep their first home as an investment when they upgrade.
I work FIFO, does that help with FHB schemes?
Strong FIFO income helps borrowing capacity, and since 1 October 2025 the 5% Deposit Scheme has no income caps. Most lenders treat FIFO as standard income, and the consistency 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. A licensed broker in our network can 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.