Worried the off-the-plan stamp duty concession in WA is about to disappear on 30 June, and that you’ve missed your chance? Take a breath — there’s good news.
The short answer: the off-the-plan stamp duty concession WA buyers have been using was previously due to end on 30 June 2026, but the State Government has announced it will be extended to 30 June 2028 — and made more generous. So rather than racing a deadline, the real job right now is making sure you’re set up to claim the benefit correctly. Here’s what’s changed and what to do.
Key takeaways
No. You may have seen older information saying the concession finishes on 30 June 2026 — that was the previous end date. In March 2026, the Government announced it would extend the scheme by two years, to 30 June 2028, as part of its push to support new housing.
In plain English, “off-the-plan” means buying a dwelling — such as an apartment, townhouse, villa or unit — before it’s built, or while it’s still under construction. The concession reduces the transfer duty (the stamp duty you pay when property changes hands) on that purchase.
Alongside pushing back the end date, the Government announced two upgrades that apply to contracts entered into on or after 12 March 2026:
The upshot: more Perth buyers, and more types of new home, can now access a meaningful saving on duty.
Here’s the nuance that trips people up. The extension and the expanded rules were announced, but they can’t legally take effect until Parliament passes the law and RevenueWA updates its systems. That’s currently expected around the middle of 2026.
What that means for you if you’re buying off-the-plan right now:
So you don’t lose out by buying now — but you do want your paperwork in order so a reassessment and refund go through smoothly. That’s something we handle as a matter of course during a residential purchase settlement.
A short checklist:
Is the WA off-the-plan concession really not ending on 30 June? Correct. It was previously due to end on 30 June 2026, but the Government has announced an extension to 30 June 2028, along with expanded eligibility and higher value thresholds.
Do I need to settle before a certain date to get the concession? It’s tied to when you enter your contract and whether you meet the eligibility rules — not a settlement-date race. If the expanded rules haven’t commenced by the time you settle, your transaction can be reassessed for a refund afterwards.
What types of property does the concession cover? New dwellings bought off-the-plan or while under construction — apartments, townhouses, villas and units — including, under the 2026 changes, certain survey-strata dwellings that were previously excluded.
Is a settlement agent the same as a solicitor? Not quite. A licensed settlement agent (conveyancer) is qualified to handle your property settlement, including the duty side of things. A solicitor can also do this and give broader legal advice. For most off-the-plan purchases, a settlement agent is who you’d work with.
Off-the-plan purchases come with their own timing quirks, and the 2026 changes add a layer to think about. If you’d like a local hand making sure your concession is claimed correctly — now, or after the new rules commence — we’re a Victoria Park team who do this every day. Learn more about how we handle a residential purchase, or get in touch for a friendly, plain-English chat.
Buying your first home in Perth and worried stamp duty is going to swallow your savings? You’ve probably seen the headlines about the WA stamp duty changes 2026 and wondered what they actually mean for you — and whether you should buy now or hold off. Let’s clear it up.
The short answer: in the May 2026 State Budget, the WA Government announced bigger stamp duty breaks for first home buyers. The price at which you pay no duty has gone up, and more buyers will now qualify for a concession (a reduced rate). But — and this part matters — the new thresholds aren’t switched on just yet. Here’s exactly what’s changed, when it starts, and how to make sure you don’t miss out.
Key takeaways
Stamp duty (officially “transfer duty” — the state tax you pay when a property changes hands) has become more generous for first home buyers. The Government has lifted the price thresholds for the First Home Owner Rate of duty, which is the concession that lets eligible first home buyers pay reduced or no duty.
Here’s the before and after:
| First home buyer | Old threshold | New (announced) |
|---|---|---|
| Home — no duty up to | $500,000 | $600,000 |
| Home — concession up to | $700,000 | $800,000 |
| Vacant land — no duty up to | $350,000 | $450,000 |
| Vacant land — concession up to | $450,000 | $550,000 |
So if you’re an eligible first home buyer purchasing a home up to $600,000, you’d pay no transfer duty at all — and homes priced between $600,000 and $800,000 attract a reduced rate rather than the full amount.
There are also two helpful changes to the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), the grant available when you build or buy a brand-new home:
This is the part worth slowing down for. The changes were announced in the Budget and apply to contracts entered into on or after 7 May 2026 — but they can’t legally take effect until Parliament passes the law and RevenueWA updates its systems. That’s currently estimated for 28 July 2026.
What does that mean in practice? If you sign a contract before the changes commence, your settlement will initially be assessed at the *old* thresholds. You don’t lose the benefit, though — once the new law commences, eligible transactions can be reassessed and any overpaid duty refunded.
So you don’t necessarily need to delay your purchase to benefit. If you’re buying now, your settlement agent can make sure your transaction is set up for a reassessment and refund once the changes are in force. This is exactly the kind of detail we keep an eye on for our clients during a residential purchase.
A couple of other 2026 changes are worth knowing if they apply to you:
A simple way to think about it:
Do the new WA stamp duty thresholds apply to me right now?
Not automatically. They apply to contracts entered into from 7 May 2026, but the law is estimated to commence on 28 July 2026. Contracts signed before commencement are assessed at the old rates first, then can be reassessed for a refund once the changes are in force.
Does the stamp duty concession only apply to brand-new homes?
No. Eligible first home buyers can access the First Home Owner Rate of duty on established homes as well as new builds, provided the price is within the relevant threshold.
Who pays the stamp duty, and when?
The buyer pays transfer duty, and it must be paid before the transfer of land can be registered. Your settlement agent or licensed conveyancer usually handles this for you as part of settlement.
Is a settlement agent the same as a solicitor?
Not quite. A licensed settlement agent (conveyancer) is qualified to handle your property settlement and the duty process. A solicitor can also do this and offer broader legal advice. For a standard residential settlement, a settlement agent is who you’d typically work with.
Property settlement is stressful enough without decoding tax changes on your own. If you’d like a hand understanding how the WA stamp duty changes 2026 affect your purchase — or a rough estimate of your costs — try our stamp duty calculator or get in touch with our team. We’re a local Victoria Park agency, and we’ll walk you through it in plain English, or Arabic if that’s what you speak.
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone — but it can also feel like stepping into a world of paperwork, deadlines, and uncertainty. At RG Settlements, we understand how overwhelming it can be, so we’ve put together a practical checklist to help first home buyers in Perth feel confident every step of the way.
Start by making sure your finance is in place. Having pre-approval from your bank or lender gives you a clear idea of your budget and shows sellers that you’re serious. Once your offer is accepted, one of the most important steps is choosing a settlement agent early. A trusted, experienced agent like RG Settlements ensures your contract is handled correctly and all the legal processes are followed.
Take time to carefully review your contract of sale. Look at the settlement date, deposit amount, and any special conditions like subject to finance or building inspections. If anything’s unclear, ask — there are no silly questions when you’re making such a big investment.
Next, book your building and pest inspections. These can uncover hidden issues and give you peace of mind. As settlement day approaches, we’ll coordinate with your bank, prepare all the legal documents, and manage the title transfer behind the scenes. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete a final inspection to make sure the property is in the same condition as agreed.
Here’s a quick recap to keep you on track:
At RG Settlements, we’re with you from the very beginning to the moment you step into your new home — stress-free and ready to celebrate.
First home buyers in Western Australia are set to save thousands thanks to major stamp duty reforms announced by the WA Labor Government.
Effective from 21 March 2025, these long-awaited changes are the first major housing policy from the newly elected government and aim to make property ownership more achievable for thousands of Western Australians. With increased stamp duty exemptions and concessions now in effect, up to 22,000 buyers are expected to benefit—some saving as much as $18,000.
At Rothschild Group, we’re here to help you navigate these changes and take advantage of the new opportunities, whether you’re buying your first home, a new off-the-plan apartment, or investing in vacant land.
Here’s what you need to know about the changes coming into effect from 21 March 2025:
In Perth and Peel regions:
Stamp duty exemption on homes up to $500,000 (previously $450,000)
Stamp duty concession available up to $700,000 (previously $600,000)
In regional WA:
Stamp duty exemption on homes up to $500,000
Stamp duty concession available up to $750,000
Stamp duty exemption on land up to $350,000 (previously $300,000)
Stamp duty concession on land up to $450,000 (previously $400,000)
These reforms mean eligible buyers will pay no stamp duty at all on qualifying properties, saving nearly $18,000 in upfront costs.
In a further move to boost housing supply and encourage urban density, the Government has also expanded stamp duty concessions for off-the-plan dwellings purchased before or during construction. These now include:
100% stamp duty exemption for homes purchased before construction up to $750,000, tapering to a 50% concession above $850,000
75% concession for homes purchased during construction up to $750,000, tapering to a 37.5% concession above $850,000
For the first time, strata townhouses are included in this initiative
These expanded concessions will apply to off-the-plan purchases made between 21 March 2025 and 30 June 2026.
According to Premier Roger Cook, the reforms are designed to address WA’s rapidly growing population and the pressures it places on the housing market.
“These sensible changes will deliver real savings for Western Australians looking for their first home, helping to turn the dream of home ownership into reality for thousands of people each year.”
The updates also aim to stimulate the construction sector and increase housing choice, including for downsizers and investors looking for modern, low-maintenance homes.
If you’re planning to purchase a home, land or off-the-plan property in the coming months, now is the time to get prepared. With thousands expected to take advantage of these changes, having your finance, paperwork and settlement agent ready will help you move quickly when the right property appears.
At Rothschild Group, we assist first home buyers every step of the way—from reviewing contracts to completing your settlement and ensuring all eligible stamp duty savings are secured. If you’ve already settled under the old thresholds, you may even be eligible for a refund once legislation is finalised.
Whether you’re buying your first home or investing in new property, our team at Rothschild Group is here to help you understand your entitlements, maximise your savings, and handle the legal and settlement process with confidence.
Contact us today
The Federal Government’s Help to Buy Scheme has officially passed through Parliament, marking a significant milestone for first-home buyers. This initiative aims to make homeownership more accessible, especially for those struggling with large deposit requirements.
With property prices increasing significantly—up 47% nationally over the past five years—many Australians have found it challenging to enter the housing market. This scheme offers a realistic opportunity for buyers who have struggled to meet the traditional 20% deposit requirement.
✔ Reduced deposit requirement, making homeownership accessible sooner.
✔ Lower mortgage repayments due to government equity contribution.
✔ Support for individuals and families looking to enter the housing market.
❌ The government retains an ownership share in your property.
❌ Future sale or refinancing may require government approval.
❌ Income and property price caps may limit eligibility.
The Help to Buy Scheme could be a game-changer for young families, singles, and couples aiming to purchase their first home. However, it’s essential to weigh the long-term implications of shared ownership with the government.
Navigating homeownership and government schemes can be complex. At Rothschild Group, we provide expert legal guidance to ensure your property journey is smooth and stress-free.
Thinking about buying your first home? Contact Rothschild Group today for professional property settlement advice.