The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in Western Australia is a one-off $10,000 government payment for eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home valued under $750,000. It does not count as your deposit but can significantly reduce your upfront costs. Read on for full eligibility criteria, how to apply, and what else you may qualify for.
Buying your first home in Perth is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. The good news is the Western Australian government wants to help and the First Home Owner Grant is one of the most valuable forms of assistance available to eligible buyers.
But there’s a lot of confusion around how it works, who qualifies, and how to actually get the money. This guide covers everything you need to know about the FHOG in WA in 2026.
What Is the First Home Owner Grant in WA?
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off payment of $10,000 from the Western Australian State Government. It was introduced to help first home buyers get into the property market by offsetting some of the upfront costs of purchasing or building a new home.
The grant is administered by RevenuWA (the WA State Revenue Office) and is available to eligible applicants who meet the criteria below.
Who Is Eligible for the FHOG in WA?
To qualify for the $10,000 grant in Western Australia, you must meet all of the following criteria:
1. You must be a first home buyer You (and your spouse or co-applicant if applicable) must never have previously owned residential property in Australia either jointly or separately. This includes investment properties, not just homes you’ve lived in.
2. You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident At least one applicant must hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency at the time of settlement or first occupancy. Temporary visa holders do not qualify.
3. You must be purchasing or building a new home This is a critical point many buyers miss the FHOG in WA only applies to new properties. This means:
- A newly built home being purchased for the first time
- A home you are contracting to build (house and land package)
- A substantially renovated home (specific criteria apply)
Established homes do not qualify for the FHOG in WA.
4. The property must be valued under $750,000 The total value of the home including land must not exceed $750,000. Properties above this threshold are not eligible.
5. You must live in the home You must move into the property as your principal place of residence within 12 months of settlement or construction completion, and live there for a continuous period of at least 6 months.
6. You must be aged 18 or over All applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
How Much Is the Grant Worth in 2026?
The FHOG in Western Australia is $10,000 unchanged from previous years.
While it won’t cover your entire deposit, it can make a meaningful difference to your upfront costs. Here’s how $10,000 can work for you:
| Cost | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Stamp duty (if applicable) | $0–$15,000+ |
| Conveyancing / settlement fees | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Building and pest inspection | $400–$600 |
| Moving costs | $500–$2,000 |
| Loan establishment fees | $0–$800 |
In many cases, the $10,000 grant can cover your conveyancing fees, inspection costs, and moving expenses entirely freeing up more of your savings to put toward your deposit.
Does the FHOG Count as My Deposit?
No and this is the most common misconception about the grant.
Most lenders require you to demonstrate genuine savings of at least 5% of the purchase price before they will consider your application. The FHOG is typically paid at settlement or during construction – not upfront – so it cannot be used as part of your initial deposit.
However, the $10,000 can reduce the amount you need to have saved for purchase costs on top of your deposit, which is still very useful.
What Other Grants and Schemes Can First Home Buyers Access in WA?
The FHOG is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are the other key schemes available to Perth first home buyers in 2026:
1. First Home Guarantee (Federal Government) Allows eligible first home buyers to purchase with just a 5% deposit and pay no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). The federal government guarantees up to 15% of the loan.
2. Stamp Duty Concession (WA) First home buyers in WA purchasing an established home valued under $500,000 pay no stamp duty. A concessional rate applies for properties between $500,001 and $750,000. Note: this concession applies to established homes, while the FHOG applies to new homes, so you need to know which one applies to your purchase.
3. Help to Buy Scheme (Federal — launching 2026) A shared equity scheme where the federal government co-purchases up to 40% of a new home or 30% of an established home with eligible buyers, reducing the amount you need to borrow. Income and property price caps apply. Check with your mortgage broker for the latest eligibility details as this scheme is new.
4. WA Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee Similar to the First Home Guarantee but specifically for buyers purchasing in regional WA. Allows 5% deposit with no LMI.
How to Apply for the FHOG in WA
There are two ways to apply:
Option 1 — Through your mortgage broker or lender (recommended) This is the easiest path. When you apply for your home loan, your mortgage broker or lender can lodge the FHOG application on your behalf as an approved agent. The grant is then paid directly at settlement or during construction. At Mogul Capital & Finance, we handle this as part of the loan application process — you don’t need to do it separately.
Option 2 — Direct application through RevenuWA If you’re not using a broker, you can apply directly at revenue.wa.gov.au. You’ll need to submit your application within 12 months of settlement or first occupancy.
Documents you’ll need:
- Proof of identity (passport or driver’s licence)
- Evidence of Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Signed contract of sale or building contract
- Evidence you’ve never previously owned residential property in Australia
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming it applies to all homes The FHOG only applies to new properties in WA. Buying an established home? You won’t get the $10,000 grant but you may still qualify for stamp duty concessions.
Buying above the $750,000 threshold Even $1 over the threshold disqualifies you. If you’re building a house and land package, make sure the total value (land + build) stays under $750,000.
Not living in the home If you purchase as an investment before moving in, you may forfeit the grant. You must occupy the property within 12 months and live there for at least 6 months continuously.
Forgetting about your co-applicant’s history If your partner or co-buyer has previously owned property in Australia even interstate or years ago you will not qualify for the FHOG together.
Talk to a Perth Mortgage Broker Before You Apply
The FHOG, stamp duty concessions, the First Home Guarantee, and the Help to Buy Scheme all have different eligibility criteria and apply to different types of properties. Getting them to work together in your favour requires knowing which ones apply to your specific situation.
At Mogul Capital & Finance, we help Perth first home buyers navigate every available grant and scheme — and match them with the right lender and loan structure. We handle the FHOG application on your behalf as part of the home loan process.
Book a consultation and we'll map out exactly what you qualify for..
and what your next step should be.
First Home Owner Grant WA
Your Questions Answered
Can I combine the First Home Owner Grant with the First Home Guarantee?
Yes and this is one of the most powerful combinations available to Perth first home buyers. The First Home Guarantee allows you to buy with a 5% deposit and no LMI, while the $10,000 FHOG can cover your purchase costs. Both can be used together as long as you’re purchasing a new home that meets both sets of eligibility criteria.
Does the First Home Owner Grant apply to established homes in WA
No. The FHOG in Western Australia only applies to new homes — either a newly built property being purchased for the first time, or a home you are contracting to build such as a house and land package. If you’re buying an established home you will not qualify for the $10,000 grant, but you may still be eligible for stamp duty concessions.
How long does it take to receive the First Home Owner Grant in WA?
If you apply through your mortgage broker or lender, the $10,000 grant is typically paid directly at settlement for purchases, or at the first progress payment stage for construction loans. If applying directly through RevenuWA, processing times vary but are generally within a few weeks of a complete application.
Can I apply for the FHOG if my partner has owned property before?
No. If your co-applicant or spouse has previously owned residential property anywhere in Australia even interstate or years ago – your joint application will be disqualified. All applicants must be first home buyers. If only one of you has owned property before, you may need to apply as a sole applicant, which affects your borrowing capacity.
Is the First Home Owner Grant taxable income?
No. The FHOG is a government grant and is not considered taxable income. You do not need to declare it on your tax return.
What happens if I don't move into the home within 12 months?
You risk having to repay the grant. The FHOG requires you to occupy the property as your principal place of residence within 12 months of settlement or construction completion, and live there for at least 6 continuous months. If you fail to meet this requirement, RevenuWA can require repayment of the full $10,000.
Can I rent out the property after receiving the FHOG?
Yes but only after you have lived in the home for the required 6 continuous months as your principal place of residence. Renting it out before completing the occupancy requirement may trigger a repayment demand from RevenuWA.
Mogul Capital & Finance | MFAA Accredited Mortgage Brokers | Landsdale, Perth WA | ABN 35 767 467 002
*This article is general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Grant eligibility criteria and scheme details are subject to change. Please consult a licensed mortgage broker or financial adviser for advice specific to your situation. Current as of February 2026.