RG Settlements
RG Settlements
Is the Perth Property Market Going Backwards?
By RG Settlements Team | Perth, Western Australia
The Perth property market is slowing from exceptionally fast conditions and becoming more balanced, but the latest available data does not establish that the whole market is “going backwards”. Listings have risen sharply and homes are taking longer to sell, while Perth’s annual median prices remain high. Buyers now have more choice; sellers need more realistic pricing and preparation.
Key takeaways
- REIWA reported 7,312 properties listed for sale in the week ending 30 August 2026, 145.3 per cent more than a year earlier.
- REIWA reported 6,718 active listings at the end of July 2026, 101.9 per cent more than a year earlier.
- Median selling times increased to 23 days for houses and 19 days for units in July.
- The annual median house price for the 12 months ending August 2026 was $960,000, and the unit median was $690,000.
- More supply and longer selling times indicate moderation, not automatically a city-wide price decline.
What does “going backwards” actually mean?
The phrase can refer to several different things: lower median prices, fewer sales, longer days on market, more properties for sale or reduced competition at individual home opens. Those measures can move in different directions at the same time.
A market can become easier for buyers even while its annual median price remains above the previous year. Likewise, a change in the type or location of properties sold can move a median without every home gaining or losing the same percentage.
For a useful answer, separate four measures: supply, sales activity, selling time and price. Then examine the relevant suburb and property type rather than treating Perth as one uniform market.
Are there more Perth properties for sale?
REIWA reported 7,312 properties listed for sale in the week ending 30 August 2026, up 7.8 per cent on four weeks earlier and 145.3 per cent on the same time a year earlier.
REIWA also reported 6,718 listings at the end of July 2026, an increase of 9.6 per cent from June and 101.9 per cent from July 2025. It attributed the rise to new listings returning towards longer-term norms, fewer sales and longer selling periods after the unusually tight conditions of late 2025 and early 2026.
More listings generally give buyers greater choice and reduce the pressure to make an immediate unconditional offer. It also means sellers face more competing properties.
Are Perth homes taking longer to sell?
Yes. Houses sold in a median of 23 days in July 2026, five days slower than June and 10 days slower than a year earlier. Units sold in 19 days, six days slower than July 2025.
Those timeframes are still short by many historical standards. The change is better described as a move away from extreme speed than evidence that every property is difficult to sell. Well-presented and correctly priced homes in sought-after locations may still attract rapid competition.
Have Perth prices fallen?
The current city-wide annual data does not show a simple reversal. REIWA’s figures for the 12 months ending August 2026 put the Perth median house sale price at $960,000 and the median unit price at $690,000. The data is revised as further transactions settle.
Annual medians can lag a fast-changing market. A seller deciding on an asking price should look at recent comparable settled sales, competing listings and buyer feedback. A buyer should compare the subject property with genuinely similar homes and obtain a valuation where appropriate.
Some suburbs and property types will outperform while others soften. A city median cannot determine the value of a particular house, apartment or development site.
What does the change mean for buyers?
Buyers may have more time to complete finance enquiries, inspections and contract review. That is valuable, but it is not a reason to assume the seller will accept every condition or discount.
Western Australia has no general mandatory cooling-off period for ordinary private property contracts. Once an offer is accepted and communicated, the contract is generally binding subject to its terms. Even in a slower market, a buyer should record finance, inspection and other required protections before signing.
Do not make an unconditional offer merely because a property appears good value. A lender’s valuation, building condition, title, strata information and settlement costs remain important.
What does the change mean for sellers?
Sellers should expect buyers to compare alternatives and negotiate more carefully. Accurate pricing, presentation, complete disclosure and clear contract preparation become more important as supply grows.
Start mortgage discharge, identity checks and settlement-agent appointment early. If a contract contains short finance, inspection or settlement dates, delays in providing information can create avoidable pressure even when the marketing period is longer.
A lower valuation or change in sentiment does not usually allow a party simply to ignore a signed contract. Contractual rights depend on the actual conditions and notices.
Frequently asked questions
Is Perth now a buyer’s market?
Conditions have become more balanced and buyers have more choice, but the answer varies by suburb, price range and property type.
Should sellers accept the first offer?
That is a commercial decision. Consider the price, deposit, finance, sale, inspection and settlement conditions together rather than comparing price alone.
Should buyers wait for prices to fall?
No one can reliably predict the best purchase date. Assess affordability, the property, contract terms and your intended holding period with appropriate advisers.
Does a lower bank valuation cancel the contract?
Not automatically. The result depends on the finance condition and other contract terms. Obtain urgent advice before a deadline expires.
Make the contract fit today’s market
A more balanced market gives parties room to make better-informed decisions, but it does not remove contractual risk. Buyers and sellers should align the price, conditions and settlement timetable with their actual circumstances.
Contact RG Settlements for a settlement quote or early contract review. Learn more about our buyer and seller settlement services across Perth and Western Australia.
Sources and data dates
Market data sources checked 7 September 2026. Weekly listing figures relate to 30 August 2026; selling times to July 2026; price medians cover the 12 months ending August 2026. Figures may be revised.
About RG Settlements
RG Settlements assists buyers and sellers with property settlement and conveyancing in Perth and Western Australia. Meet our team or request a settlement quote.
This article provides general information, not advice tailored to your transaction. Market conditions, laws and procedures can change. Obtain advice about your contract, finances and circumstances before acting.
Off-the-Plan Stamp Duty Concession WA: Not Ending 30 June
Published by RG Settlements — property settlement services in Victoria Park, Perth and across Western Australia.
Archive note: This article was originally published on the date shown. Rules, eligibility criteria and market conditions may have changed; confirm current requirements before acting.
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
- The off-the-plan duty concession was due to end 30 June 2026, but has been extended to 30 June 2028.
- From 12 March 2026 it also covers new survey-strata dwellings (such as duplexes, triplexes, villas and units), which were previously excluded.
- The maximum concession now applies to purchases up to $800,000 (up from $750,000), tapering for higher-value purchases up to $900,000 (up from $850,000).
- The extension and expansion are announced but not yet implemented (expected around mid-2026). Contracts entered before commencement are assessed at current rates, then can be reassessed for a refund.
Is the off-the-plan stamp duty concession in WA ending?
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.
What’s actually changed in 2026
Alongside pushing back the end date, the Government announced two upgrades that apply to contracts entered into on or after 12 March 2026:
- More property types qualify. The concession now covers new dwellings in survey-strata schemes — think duplexes, triplexes, villas and units in smaller developments — which were previously left out.
- Higher value thresholds. The maximum concession now applies to off-the-plan purchases valued up to $800,000 (up from $750,000), then tapers for higher-value purchases up to $900,000 (up from $850,000).
The upshot: more Perth buyers, and more types of new home, can now access a meaningful saving on duty.
The important bit: the upgrades aren’t switched on yet
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:
- If you sign a qualifying contract on or after 12 March 2026 but settle before the changes commence, your settlement will initially be assessed under the existing rules.
- Once the new rules commence, eligible transactions can be reassessed and any overpaid duty refunded.
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.
What WA buyers need to do now
A short checklist:
- Don’t rush to “beat” 30 June. There’s no cliff-edge on that date anymore. Make your decision on the merits of the property, not a deadline that’s been pushed back.
- Check whether your property type now qualifies. If you were told a survey-strata villa or unit didn’t qualify before, that may have changed.
- Keep your contract and settlement records. If you settle before the new rules commence, these matter for a later reassessment and refund.
- Get an estimate of your duty. Our stamp duty calculator gives you a starting figure so you can budget with confidence.
- Ask if you’re unsure. Eligibility depends on the contract type and timing, so a quick check now can save headaches later.
Frequently asked questions
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.
We’ll help you get it right
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.
This article is general information only and not legal or financial advice. For advice about your specific situation, please get in touch with our team.
Planning a property settlement in WA? Get a settlement quote from RG Settlements and speak with our Victoria Park team about your purchase, sale or property transfer.
WA Stamp Duty Changes 2026: What Buyers Need to Know
Published by RG Settlements — property settlement services in Victoria Park, Perth and across Western Australia.
Archive note: This article was originally published on the date shown. Rules, eligibility criteria and market conditions may have changed; confirm current requirements before acting.
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
- The first home buyer no-duty threshold rises from $500,000 to $600,000, and the concession ceiling from $700,000 to $800,000.
- For vacant land, the no-duty threshold rises from $350,000 to $450,000, with a concessional rate up to $550,000.
- The First Home Owner Grant cap rises to $800,000 and is no longer linked to the duty concession.
- The changes apply to contracts entered into from 7 May 2026 but are estimated to commence on 28 July 2026. Contracts signed before then are assessed at the old rates, then can be reassessed for a refund.
What’s changed under the WA stamp duty changes 2026
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.
The First Home Owner Grant got better too
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:
- The grant cap has risen to **$800,000**, so buyers of higher-value new builds aren’t shut out.
- The grant has been “delinked” from the duty concession. In plain terms: you may still qualify for the stamp duty concession even if your purchase price is above the grant cap.
The catch most people miss: the new rules aren’t live yet
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.
Off-the-plan and foreign buyer changes
A couple of other 2026 changes are worth knowing if they apply to you:
- Off-the-plan concession extended. The concession for buying a new dwelling off-the-plan has been extended to 30 June 2028 and broadened to include homes in survey-strata and community-title schemes (think certain units and villas), not just apartments.
- Foreign buyers. A new exemption from foreign transfer duty applies to certain “build-to-sell” developments that result in at least one extra home being added to the housing supply.
What the WA stamp duty changes 2026 mean for you
A simple way to think about it:
- Working out your costs? For now, build your budget around the current thresholds and treat any refund as a bonus once the law commences. Our stamp duty calculator is a handy place to start.
- First home buyer near a threshold? The higher limits mean more Perth homes now fall into the no-duty or concession range — welcome news in a market where $600,000 to $800,000 covers a lot of family homes.
- Not sure if you’re eligible? The usual eligibility rules still apply (such as living in the home and not having owned property before). It’s worth checking before you sign.
Frequently asked questions
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.
We’re here to help
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.
*This article is general information only and not legal or financial advice. For advice about your specific situation, please get in touch with our team.*
Planning a property settlement in WA? Get a settlement quote from RG Settlements and speak with our Victoria Park team about your purchase, sale or property transfer.
The Importance of Hiring the Right Property Settlement Agent: Lessons from Gold Coast Mortgage Case
Published by RG Settlements. Our Victoria Park team provides property settlement and conveyancing services for buyers, sellers and property owners across Perth and Western Australia.
Archive note: This article was originally published on the date shown. Rules, eligibility criteria and market conditions may have changed; confirm current requirements before acting.
As a property settlement agent, I have seen many cases of fraud and legal issues arise when property transfers are not handled properly. The recent court ruling on the Gold Coast mortgage fraud case serves as a reminder of the importance of hiring the right property settlement agent.
When buying or selling a property, it’s important to have a trusted and experienced property settlement agent to handle the legal aspects of the transaction. A reliable agent will ensure that all the necessary checks and balances are in place to prevent fraud and protect your interests.
At RG Settlements, we understand the complexities of property transfers and have a team of expert conveyancers who are well-versed in Western Australia’s property laws. We offer a comprehensive range of property settlement services for both residential and commercial properties and provide personalized guidance to our clients throughout the entire process.
With RG Settlements as your property settlement agent, you can rest assured that your transaction will be handled professionally and efficiently. We will conduct thorough title searches, review contracts, and ensure that all the necessary legal requirements are met to protect your investment.
Don’t take any chances when it comes to your property transfer. Hire RG Settlements as your trusted property settlement agent and let us handle the legal aspects for you. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you with your property transfer needs.
Planning a property settlement in WA?
Get a settlement quote from RG Settlements for your purchase, sale or property transfer.