For many buyers, government incentives remain crucial to making home ownership achievable in 2026. While eligibility varies across federal and state programmes, understanding what support is available can help buyers plan their next steps with greater confidence.
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) remains a cornerstone for eligible buyers purchasing or building a new home in Western Australia. The scheme provides a one-off $10,000 payment and may also apply to homes that have undergone substantial renovations, subject to strict criteria. Eligible buyers may also benefit from concessional stamp duty transfer rates, reducing upfront purchase costs.
FHOG Summary:
- One-off payment of $10,000 for eligible buyers purchasing/building a NEW home, or an existing home that has undergone substantial renovations (there is very specific criteria for this)
- Concessional rates of Transfer Stamp Duty: Transfer duty assessment
Keystart Shared equity options are also supporting buyers with smaller deposits. The Keystart Shared Equity Scheme allows the Housing Authority to co-own up to 40% of a property’s value, requiring as little as a 2% deposit and no lender’s mortgage insurance. Importantly, applicants may have previously owned property, provided they do not currently own one, and the Housing Authority must be included on the contract and certificate of title.
Keystart Shared Equity Scheme Summary:
- 2% deposit, no Lenders Mortgage Insurance applies
- Housing Authority co-owns a share of the property (up to 40% of the value of the home)
- May also be eligible for FHOG
- May have owned property previously, but not currently.
The federal Help to Buy Scheme offers another pathway, providing an equity contribution of up to 40% for new homes and 30% for existing homes, without the government appearing on the title. The scheme is capped by income thresholds and requires a minimum 2% deposit, with places allocated annually.
Help to Buy Scheme Summary:
- Provides first-time home buyers with an equity share of up to 40% for new homes and 30% for existing homes.
- Unlike the WA Shared Equity Scheme, the government does NOT go on the title.
- Must be an Australian citizen
- Cannot receive help for other schemes except Stamp Duty concessions or grants.
Finally, the 5% Deposit Scheme continues to support eligible buyers by allowing purchases with a 5% deposit and no lender’s mortgage insurance, backed by a government guarantee. There are no income caps, and places are not limited, though ownership history requirements apply.
5% Deposit Scheme:
- 5% deposit, Lenders Mortgage Insurance does not apply.
- Cannot currently own property, or have previously owned a property in the last 10 years.
- No Income Caps
- Separate criteria for single parents
- Unlimited places, no waiting lists.
As eligibility rules differ across schemes, buyers are encouraged to review the full criteria for each programme. Land4Sale helps buyers navigate available incentives alongside current land opportunities, ensuring they’re informed before taking the next step.
