Stamp duty (officially transfer duty) is a state tax you pay when you buy property in Western Australia. Eligible first home buyers pay no stamp duty on homes up to $600,000 and reduced duty on homes up to $800,000. Figures checked November 2026.
The first home owner rate of duty means no duty on new or established homes up to $600,000, and a reduced rate between $600,000 and $800,000. Since 7 May 2026 the same thresholds apply across the whole state.
A $10,000 grant for buying or building a new home. South of the 26th parallel, which includes Perth, the home must be valued up to $800,000. You can usually claim it as well as the first home owner rate of duty.
First home buyers pay no duty on vacant land valued up to $450,000 and reduced duty up to $550,000, as long as they build a home to live in.
Buyers who aren't Australian citizens or permanent residents generally pay a foreign transfer duty of 7% on top of standard duty, even if the first home owner rate applies.
The buyer pays stamp duty. Your settlement agent or conveyancer usually arranges payment at or before settlement, so you need the funds ready by then.
Duty is calculated on the price you pay, or the property's market value if that's higher. On a $600,000 home the first home owner rate saves you the full standard duty, which is more than $20,000.
WA also offers an off-the-plan duty concession, now extended to 30 June 2028. Eligibility rules apply, so we'll check it for you if you're buying off the plan.
1
Duty rises with the price, so it changes your real budget.
2
The first home owner rate and the $10,000 grant can make a big difference.
3
Use our stamp duty calculator for an estimate on a specific price.
4
We'll factor duty and other costs into your pre-approval so there are no surprises.
Usually it's paid from your savings. Some lenders will lend enough to cover costs if you have a strong deposit or equity, often with lenders mortgage insurance. We'll tell you what's possible.
Yes. Duty applies to land too, but first home buyers pay no duty on land up to $450,000 and reduced duty up to $550,000 if they build a home to live in.
The first home owner rate requires you to live in the home. Investors generally pay standard duty, although the off-the-plan concession can apply in some cases.
RevenueWA publishes current rates and eligibility rules. We check our figures against them, and our calculator uses current rates.
This information is general in nature and is based on Western Australian rules as at November 2026. It doesn't take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Duty rates, thresholds and eligibility are set by RevenueWA and can change; check your situation with RevenueWA or your settlement agent.
We'll include stamp duty, fees and any concessions in your pre-approval plan.
