The first home owner grant explained
What is the First Home Owner Grant in WA?
The First Home Owner Grant in WA (also known as the ‘First Home Buyers Grant’ or ‘FHOG’) is a one-off payment of $10,000 from the government to help you buy or build your fist home for the purpose of residence.
While any who meet the eligibility criteria can receive the payment, the grant can only be used once per household. So, if you are planning to jointly purchase a home, you will only be able to get one payment.
To check your eligibility for a $10k payment to put towards your newly-built home, get in touch with us today.
What are the FHOG eligibility criteria?
You must be:
- 18 years or older (unless you have an exemption from the age requirement)
- An Australian citizen or a permanent resident (if applying jointly, only one person needs to be a citizen or resident)
- Planning to occupy the home as your principal place of residence for six continuous months within 12 months of settlement if buying, or 12 months from completion if building
- The owner of the land on which the home is built
- Able to afford the costs associated with owning a home
You must not have:
- Previously received the grant (this applies to those applying for joint ownership where one of the applicants has previously received the grant)
- Owned residential property in Australia prior to July 1st, 2000
- Owned residential property in Australia prior to July 1st, 2000 and occupied that property as a place of residence before July 1st, 2004
- Owned residential property in Australia prior to July 1st, 2000 and occupied that property as a place of residence for a continuous period of 6 months or longer before July 1st, 2004
FAQs
The First Home Owners Grant WA residents can receive amounts to $10,000.
No, only one grant is provided per eligible transaction. Therefore, if two people are jointly purchasing a house, they will only receive one grant.
To apply for the FHOG, you need to complete the application form within 12 months of completing the transaction. All individuals who will have a relevant interest in the home must be listed as applicants. A relevant interest means that their name will appear on the Certificate of Title. You can submit your application through an approved agent or directly to RevenueWA.
If you are eligible for the FHOG but are purchasing an established home instead of a new one, you may qualify for the concessional first home owner rate of duty. This is a reduced rate of transfer duty that applies to eligible first-time homebuyers.
No, the FHOG is not available for the purchase of an established home.
Yes, the First Home Owner Grant WA residents receive is available for individuals who are building a new home.
There are several government initiatives available to assist first-time homebuyers in Western Australia. Here are some of the most relevant ones:
- Concessional First Home Owner Rate of Duty
If you are eligible for the FHOG but are purchasing an established home instead of a new one, you may qualify for the concessional first home owner rate of duty. This is a reduced rate of transfer duty that applies to eligible first-time homebuyers. - Home Buyers Assistance Account
The Home Buyers Assistance Account provides financial assistance to first-time homebuyers who are purchasing an established home. The grant reimburses some of the incidental expenses associated with buying a home, such as settlement fees and mortgage registration fees. - First Home Guarantee Scheme
The First Home Guarantee Scheme is a government initiative that allows eligible first-time homebuyers to pay only a 5% deposit on their home loan. The scheme is available for a limited time and has a set number of places available each year. - Other Financial Assistance Products
The Housing Authority offers a range of financial assistance products to help first-time homebuyers purchase their first home. These products include shared equity schemes, Keystart home loans, and the Home Ownership Assistance Program.
For a more in-depth answer, read our first home buyer guide or get in touch to ask one of our experts directly.
Yes, the grant is also known as the ‘WA First Home Buyers Grant’ or ‘Perth First Home Buyers Grant’ by some. However, the official name is the First Home Owner Grant.
First home buyer resources
- Finance, Grants
- Post by Jack Thornton
Are you looking to build or buy your first home in WA? Then it’s important...
- Finance, Grants, Tips
- Post by Jack Thornton
If you are looking to buy a home in Western Australia, you may be overwhelmed...
