First Home Owner Grants in WA: How to Maximise Your Benefits

Taking the first step onto the property ladder is a big milestone, and if you’re building your first home in Western Australia, there’s good news. The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help first-time buyers like you afford a brand-new home. And with the right planning, you can stretch that support even further.

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What is the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in WA?

The First Home Owner Grant in Western Australia is a one-off payment of $10,000 from the State Government, available to eligible applicants who are building a new home or purchasing a newly built home.

The FHOG is not available for established homes or renovations, it’s specifically aimed at supporting new home construction or off-the-plan purchases.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the FHOG in WA, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be at least 18 years old
  • You (and your partner or co-applicant) must be Australian citizens or permanent residents
  • You must never have owned residential property in Australia before
  • You must occupy the home as your principal place of residence for at least six continuous months within the first 12 months
  • The total value of the home and land must not exceed $750,000 if located south of the 26th parallel, or $1,000,000 if north

Tip: Even if you’re buying with a partner, both applicants must meet the criteria.

How to Apply

You can apply for the FHOG through:

  • Your lender or mortgage broker (as part of your home loan application), or
  • Directly via the WA Office of State Revenue

Most builders, including Aveling Homes, can guide you through this process and provide the documentation you’ll need, such as building contracts and evidence of progress payments.

Maximising the Benefits of the Grant

While $10,000 may not sound like a huge amount, it can go a long way when used wisely, especially if you’re also accessing other first-home buyer support options.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

Combine It With the First Home Buyer Transfer Duty Concession

Eligible first-home buyers in WA may also receive a stamp duty exemption on properties valued up to $430,000 (and a concession for homes up to $530,000). If you’re building, the concession applies to the land value.

Use the Grant for Upgrades

Aveling Homes clients use the grant to cover upgrades like stone benchtops, higher ceilings, or extra lighting, small touches that make a big difference to how your home feels.

Put It Towards Site Costs

Site preparation (like earthworks, drainage, and soil classification) is often excluded from base home prices. Using your grant to help cover these early-stage expenses can ease your upfront costs.

Boost Your Deposit

If your lender allows it, you may be able to use the FHOG to boost your deposit and reduce your mortgage size, potentially saving on interest and LMI (Lenders Mortgage Insurance).

What Else Should You Know?

The FHOG is paid at different stages depending on how you’re building. For example:

  • If you’re building on vacant land, the grant is usually paid when your slab is laid
  • If you’re buying a completed new home, it may be paid at settlement

It’s also important to note that only one grant is available per transaction, even if multiple people are on the title.

The First Home Owner Grant is a valuable helping hand for WA buyers stepping into the property market for the first time. When combined with other concessions and a smart building strategy, it can make a real difference in turning your dream home into a reality.