WA Stamp Duty Thresholds Rise – What It Means for First Home Buyers
WA has recently increased stamp duty thresholds for first home buyers, making homeownership more accessible both in Perth and regional areas. Discover what these changes mean for you, how they compare nationally, and how you can strategically leverage available incentives to buy your first home.
From 21 March 2025, the Western Australian Government implemented an overdue change to stamp duty concessions for first home buyers, aiming to make the path to homeownership more achievable across both metropolitan and regional areas. With Perth property prices increasing significantly more recently, this move signals a somewhat practical response to current market conditions.
What’s Changed in WA?
Full stamp duty exemption on established homes valued up to $500,000 across the state.
Concessional rates on homes valued:
Between $500,000 and $700,000 in the Perth and Peel regions.
Between $500,000 and $750,000 in regional WA.
Vacant land:
No stamp duty up to $350,000 (statewide).
Concessions between $350,000 and $450,000.
The WA Government confirmed that these changes will apply retroactively to contracts signed from 21 March, even though formal legislation is expected to pass in June.
A Strategic Push Toward Regional Affordability
The expansion of the concessional threshold to $750,000 in regional WA presents a strategic nudge to shift buyer demand outward from Perth. It gives first home buyers more scope to consider larger or newer properties in regional centres—but the practicality of this depends heavily on employment, infrastructure, and lifestyle alignment.
Perth Market Snapshot (CoreLogic, February 2025):
Median dwelling value: $807,933
Annual growth: +14.3%
View CoreLogic February 2025 Report
How WA Compares Across States
| State/Territory | Stamp Duty Exemptions | FHOG (New Homes) | Median Dwelling Value | Annual Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WA (Perth) | No duty ≤$500k; concession ≤$700k (metro) | $10,000 ≤$750k | $807,933 | +14.3% |
| NSW (Sydney) | No duty ≤$800k; concession ≤$1M | $10,000 ≤$750k | $1,186,459 | +1.1% |
| VIC (Melbourne) | No duty ≤$600k; concession ≤$750k | $10,000 ≤$750k | $772,561 | -3.2% |
| QLD (Brisbane) | No duty ≤$700k; concession ≤$800k | $30,000 ≤$750k (until Jun 2025) | $894,425 | +9.7% |
| SA (Adelaide) | No duty for new builds (no cap) | $15,000 (no cap) | $654,079 | +6.2% |
| ACT (Canberra) | Full exemption if income ≤$170k | None | $846,955 | -0.9% |
Practical Support Beyond State Initiatives
In addition to WA's revised thresholds, eligible buyers may also benefit from the First Home Guarantee Scheme, a federal scheme enabling eligible first-time purchasers to buy with a 5% deposit, without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). When used in combination with state-based concessions, the savings on upfront costs can be significant.
Final Word
These changes reflect a meaningful shift in WA housing policy, aligning government support more closely with current market values. For Perth buyers, there’s now a better chance to purchase closer to the median price without being penalised by duty. For those open to relocating, the regional concessions offer potential—but the viability hinges on practical factors like work, transport, and lifestyle.
If you’re exploring your first home purchase and want help confirming of your options, we’re here to assist.