Dreaming of owning your first home in Western Australia? The state government is here to help with the First Home Owners Grant (also known as the WA First Home Buyers Grant) – a one-time payment of up to $10,000 to put towards buying or building a new house or unit.
This guide will cover:
- What is the First Home Owners Grant?
- Who is eligible and what properties qualify?
- How much is the grant and when is it paid?
- What’s the application process step-by-step?
- What other help is available for first home buyers?
Table of Contents
What is WA's First Home Buyers Grant?
The FHOG is a lump sum payment to assist home buyers who are purchasing or building a new residential dwelling that will be their main place of residence.
Specifically, it aims to:
- Reduce initial purchase and construction costs that traditionally prevent first home ownership
- Enable and encourage Western Australians to realize the dream of owning their first home
Key Facts About the Grant:
- One-time payment - you can only receive the FHOG once, even if circumstances change
- Up to $10,000 per eligible application
- For buying, building or constructing a new home/unit on vacant land
- Only available to first home buyers who meet eligibility criteria
The FHOG makes it more affordable for new buyers to get their foot on the property ladder and secure that crucial first foothold. It was designed recognizing that coming up with a deposit and stamp duty can stretch budgets for first timers.
The grant eases some of that initial financial pressure during what is already a challenging life milestone.
Who Is Eligible for Western Australia's $10,000 First Home Buyers Grant?
While established to help first home buyers specifically, not all applicants automatically qualify for the FHOG. Certain eligibility rules must be met relating to:
- First home buyer status
- Property type and value
- Permanent residency
- Minimum age
- Occupation status
Meeting and proving eligibility is essential or the grant application will be denied.
First Home Buyer Status
At time of application, all buyers must:
- Have never received the First Home Owners Grant before – in any state or territory of Australia
- Have never owned or held interest in residential property in Australia – either individually or jointly with someone else
The only exceptions are for previous ownership and occupancy due to legal requirement during relationship breakdown. For example, if previous property was awarded as part of divorce settlement. In such cases, you may still apply as first home buyer.
Residency Status
To qualify, at least one applicant must be:
- An Australian citizen, or;
- An Australian permanent resident
For permanent residents, appropriate proof of residency tenure must be included with application.
Minimum Age
All persons on title must be:
- At least 18 years as at settlement date
In certain circumstances, applicants younger than 18 can potentially qualify if they can prove financial independence or expectation of an upcoming 18th birthday around settlement date.
Property Type, Value and Location
The FHOG in Western Australia only applies for newly constructed homes, not established properties. Additionally:
- Below 26th parallel including Perth metro: Combined land and building value must be $750,000 or under
- Above 26th parallel in regional WA: Combined land/building value must be $1 million or under
These value thresholds include apartments and units provided they are newly built or constructed and not yet occupied.
The property purchased or constructed must also become the principal place of residence for applicants for minimum 6 continuous months commencing within 12 months of settlement or construction completion.
See the full eligibility requirements here.
How Much is The First Home Buyers Grant in Western Australia?
The current grant amount available in WA is:
- Up to $10,000 per eligible transaction
- If total construction/building costs are below $10,000, the full amount paid is reimbursed
So even if you buy land to build on for $8,000 for example, you would receive the entire $8,000 back through the grant.
The $10,000 is paid as a one-time lump sum per approved application. It’s the same amount whether buying off the plan, building on vacant land or constructing a home.
For context, here’s how the $10,000 could be used to kickstart your home ownership journey:
- 🏠 Add to your home deposit savings
- 🏠 Pay for initial legal and mortgage fees
- 🏠 Purchase essential furnishings or whitegoods
- 🏠 Make extra repayments to reduce interest
Ultimately, applicants have the freedom to put the $10,000 grant towards housing costs as needed once construction completes or settlement occurs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for WA's $10,000 First Home Buyers Grant
Navigating the application process ensures fast assessment and payment of the grant funds. Here is the end-to-end process in Western Australia:
Step 1 - Confirm Eligibility Status
Determine if you meet eligibility criteria as a first home buyer in WA regarding:
- Previous property ownership
- Property type, value and location
- Permanent residency and minimum age
Step 2 - Prepare Required Documentation
You’ll need to submit certain documents alongside the actual application form, including:
- Photo ID like driver’s license or passport
- Copies of signed contracts and transaction records
Have your documents ready to go as early as possible.
Step 3 - Submit Application to Approved Channel
You can apply either directly via the State Revenue Office online portal or through an approved agent such as Hunter Galloway. Going through an agent often streamlines documentation checks and follow-ups.
As part of our complete home buyer service, Hunter Galloway’s property finance experts handle the full First Home Owners Grant application on your behalf. Speak to us today to discuss options!
Step 4 - Receive Unique Identification Number
Once lodged, your application will be assigned a Unique ID Number (UIN). Quote this UIN when contacting RevenueWA for status updates or timeline information.
Step 5 - Payment Following Completion
Funds are paid upon completion – either at settlement if buying off the plan or once construction finishes for new builds. Payment channels include:
- To your bank or financial institution along with home loan payout
- Directly to your nominated bank account if applying independently
Regardless of how you apply or receive payment, the FHOG provides a helpful $10,000 contribution towards costs and next steps as a first time property owner.
Additional Benefits Available for First Home Buyers in Western Australia
First Home Guarantee: This is part of the national Home Guarantee Scheme. It lets you buy a home with just a 5% deposit. It’s available not only for first home buyers but also those who haven’t owned property in Australia in the past 10 years.
Regional First Home Guarantee: Also part of the Home Guarantee Scheme, this one’s specially for people buying homes in regional WA areas. Like the standard First Home Guarantee, you only need a 5% deposit.
Family Home Guarantee: This scheme is for single parents or guardians. You can buy a home with a deposit as low as 2%. It’s okay if you don’t currently own property or plan to retain one when buying your new home.
First Home Super Saver Scheme: This scheme helps you save up to $50,000 for your deposit within your superannuation, using its tax benefits.
Help to Buy Scheme: The government shares up to 40% (new builds) or 30% (established properties) of the home purchase price to improve affordability. There are 10,000 spots per year for qualifying applicants.
Let WA's Home Buying Experts Guide You On the First Home Journey
Becoming a first time property owner can feel overwhelming with so much to organize, plan for and understand. Questions pop up everywhere about eligibility, process, purchasing costs and more. Questions better answered by experts versus tackling all alone.
That’s why Western Australians have trusted Hunter Galloway for over 10 years as specialist first home buyer finance partners. Speak to our property finance experts for personalised step-by-step guidance tailored to your unique home ownership goals and circumstances.
We de-mystify eligibility particulars, paperwork demands, application nuances and available financial support so you can feel fully empowered, informed and ready to take the first home leap with confidence.
Let’s connect today to unlock your property potential with an expert support crew cheering you all the way!
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