If you're buying your first home in Western Australia, understanding stamp duty — officially called transfer duty — is one of the most important financial steps you'll take. The good news: the WA government significantly expanded first home buyer concessions in March 2025, meaning many first-time buyers now pay nothing in stamp duty.
This guide covers everything you need to know: eligibility criteria, updated thresholds, how the concession is calculated, metro vs regional differences, and real-world examples to show exactly how much you can save.
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Calculate My Stamp Duty →What Is the First Home Owner Rate (FHOR)?
The First Home Owner Rate (FHOR) is a concessional transfer duty rate available to eligible first home buyers in Western Australia. It is governed by Sections 141–146 of the Duties Act 2008 (WA).
Under the FHOR, eligible buyers either pay:
- Zero duty — if the property value is below the full exemption threshold, or
- A reduced concessional rate — if the property value falls within the concessional zone.
Above the maximum concession threshold, the standard transfer duty rates apply, and no concession is available.
The March 2025 Changes: What's New?
The Duties Amendment Act 2025 — which received Royal Assent on 19 June 2025 — made the most significant changes to first home buyer duty relief in over a decade. The key changes, effective from 21 March 2025, are:
- Full exemption threshold for established homes raised from $430,000 to $500,000
- Concessional zone ceiling raised from $530,000 to $700,000 for metro/Peel buyers
- A new $750,000 concessional ceiling introduced for regional WA buyers
- Vacant land exemption threshold raised from $300,000 to $350,000
- Vacant land concession ceiling raised from $400,000 to $450,000
Current FHOR Thresholds (From 21 March 2025)
| Property Type | Location | No Duty (Full Exemption) | Concessional Zone | Standard Duty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Established / New Home | Metro / Peel | Up to $500,000 | $500,001–$700,000 | Above $700,000 |
| Established / New Home | Regional WA | Up to $500,000 | $500,001–$750,000 | Above $750,000 |
| Vacant Land | All WA | Up to $350,000 | $350,001–$450,000 | Above $450,000 |
Real Examples: How Much Can You Save?
Example 1: Perth First Home at $480,000
Sarah buys her first home in Joondalup for $480,000. Because the property value is below the $500,000 no-duty threshold, Sarah pays $0 in stamp duty. A standard buyer would have paid approximately $16,365 — Sarah saves the full amount.
Example 2: Perth First Home at $600,000
James buys in Fremantle for $600,000. The first $500,000 is duty-free. The remaining $100,000 is taxed at the Metro concessional rate of $13.63 per $100, resulting in $13,630 duty. A standard buyer would pay approximately $22,515 — James saves $8,885.
Example 3: Regional First Home at $680,000
Emma buys in Bunbury for $680,000. She's in regional WA, so her concessional ceiling is $750,000. The first $500,000 is duty-free. The remaining $180,000 is taxed at the regional rate of $11.89 per $100, giving $21,402 in duty. Standard duty would be approximately $26,665 — Emma saves $5,263.
How to Qualify for the FHOR
To access the First Home Owner Rate in Western Australia, you must:
- Be purchasing or acquiring residential property for the first time in your life (anywhere in Australia)
- Meet the same eligibility criteria as the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), or would have met them if you applied
- Intend to occupy the property as your principal place of residence
- Move into the property within 12 months of settlement and live there for a continuous period of at least 6 months
Combining FHOR with the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
The First Home Owner Rate is closely linked to the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG). The WA FHOG provides a one-off $10,000 payment to eligible first home buyers purchasing or building new homes. Note that established homes have been ineligible for the FHOG since October 2015.
You can receive both the FHOR duty concession and the FHOG if you're purchasing a new home — they are separate benefits and can be claimed simultaneously.
Metro vs Regional WA: Which Suburbs Qualify as "Regional"?
The distinction between "Metropolitan/Peel" and "Regional WA" is important — regional buyers get access to a higher $750,000 concessional ceiling instead of $700,000.
🧮 Calculate Your Savings Now
See exactly how much you'll pay (or save) with our free WA Stamp Duty Calculator. Select "First Home Buyer" and your location for instant results.
Open the Free Calculator →Off-the-Plan Concession: An Alternative for First Home Buyers
If you're buying a new apartment, townhouse, or villa off-the-plan, there's an additional concession worth knowing about — available to all buyers, not just first home buyers.
- Pre-construction contracts: 100% duty waived on properties up to $750,000
- Under-construction contracts: 75% concession on properties up to $750,000
- Both concessions phase out between $750,000 and $850,000
- Valid for contracts signed by 30 June 2026
When and How to Pay Stamp Duty in WA
Transfer duty in Western Australia works as follows:
- Documents must be lodged with Revenue WA within 2 months of the transaction date
- Duty payment is due within 1 month of receiving the assessment notice
- Your settlement agent or conveyancer handles lodgement and payment at settlement
- Late payment attracts penalty tax and interest charges
⚠️ Disclaimer
This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Stamp duty rates and concessions are subject to change. Always verify your eligibility and exact duty liability with a licensed settlement agent, conveyancer, or Revenue WA directly. Rates based on the Duties Act 2008 (WA) as amended by the Duties Amendment Act 2025, effective 21 March 2025.