23 Mar 2026 WA Stamp Duty Concession for Off-the-Plan Homes (2026 Guide for Buyers)
WA Expands Stamp Duty Concessions for Off-the-Plan Homes
For many Australians purchasing property, stamp duty is one of the largest upfront costs when buying a home. In Western Australia, this cost can add tens of thousands of dollars to the total amount required at settlement.
To improve housing affordability and stimulate new developments, the Western Australian Government has expanded the WA stamp duty concession scheme for off-the-plan and under-construction homes. The updated policy introduces higher price thresholds and broader eligibility, giving many buyers the opportunity to significantly reduce their upfront costs.
For eligible purchases, buyers may pay no stamp duty at all, while others may receive substantial concessions depending on the property price and construction stage. These changes create a hidden opportunity many property buyers may not realise exists, particularly for those considering newly built homes or townhouse developments.
Understanding how the WA stamp duty concession for off-the-plan homes works can help buyers make more informed decisions before entering the property market.
What is the WA Stamp Duty Concession for Off-the-Plan Homes?
The WA stamp duty concession for off-the-plan homes allows eligible buyers to receive a full stamp duty exemption on properties valued up to $800,000, with partial concessions available for properties priced up to $900,000. The program also now includes survey-strata developments such as townhouses, villas, and smaller residential projects.
The expanded program is designed to support new housing supply while making it easier for buyers to enter the property market with lower upfront costs.
What Changed in the Stamp Duty Scheme
The Western Australian Government has introduced several important updates to the stamp duty concession program for off-the-plan and under-construction homes.
Key changes include:
- 100% concession for off-the-plan purchases valued up to $800,000
- 50% concession for properties priced between $800,001 and $900,000
- 75% concession for homes purchased while under construction up to $800,000
- Survey-strata developments are now included, expanding eligibility to more property types
- The program has been extended until 30 June 2028
These updates aim to encourage buyers to consider new residential developments while reducing the upfront costs associated with property purchases in Western Australia.
What This Means for Buyers
For property buyers in Western Australia, these expanded concessions can significantly reduce the financial barrier to entering the housing market.
Depending on the purchase price and eligibility criteria, buyers may save $20,000 or more in stamp duty, which can substantially reduce the amount of cash required at settlement.
Some key advantages include:
- Lower upfront cash requirements
- Reduced stamp duty costs when purchasing new homes
- Greater affordability when entering the property market
- More flexibility when choosing between established and newly built homes
For many first home buyers and upgrading homeowners, these concessions may allow them to enter the property market sooner rather than delaying their purchase while saving additional funds.
Off-the-Plan vs Under Construction
While both purchase types qualify for stamp duty concessions, the level of concession depends on whether the property is off-the-plan or already under construction.
| Purchase Type | Stamp Duty Concession |
|---|---|
| Off-the-plan | 100% concession up to $800,000 |
| Under construction | 75% concession up to $800,000 |
An off-the-plan purchase usually occurs before construction begins or during the early stages of development, when buyers commit based on architectural plans and specifications.
An under-construction purchase occurs after building has started but before the property is completed.
While both options offer valuable savings, off-the-plan purchases typically provide the highest stamp duty concession available under the scheme.
New Opportunities for Townhouses and Villas
A major update to the expanded program is the inclusion of survey-strata developments, which now qualify for the stamp duty concession.
This means a wider range of property types are eligible, including:
- Townhouses
- Villas
- Duplex developments
- Triplex developments
These types of properties are often more affordable than detached homes, particularly in metropolitan areas such as Perth.
Because they frequently fall within the concession price thresholds, townhouses and villa developments may provide an accessible entry point for first home buyers and young families seeking modern housing options.
First Home Buyer Stamp Duty (No Change)
While the new concessions apply to off-the-plan and under-construction homes, the existing first home buyer stamp duty concessions for established properties remain unchanged.
Perth and Peel Regions
- Full exemption for homes valued under $500,000
- Partial concessions available for homes up to $700,000
Regional Western Australia
- Partial concessions available up to $750,000
These existing programs continue to support buyers purchasing established homes, while the expanded off-the-plan concessions provide additional opportunities for buyers considering newly built properties.
Should Buyers Consider Off-the-Plan Properties?
Off-the-plan properties can offer several advantages, particularly when government incentives are involved. However, buyers should carefully evaluate both the benefits and potential risks before proceeding.
Potential Benefits
- Lower upfront costs due to stamp duty concessions
- Access to brand-new homes with modern designs
- Potential property value growth during the construction period
- More time to prepare financially before settlement
Potential Risks
- Construction delays that extend settlement timelines
- Changes in the property market before completion
- Potential developer or project delivery risks
Because of these considerations, buyers should ensure they understand their borrowing capacity, loan structure, and project timeline before committing to an off-the-plan purchase.
How a Mortgage Broker Helps With These Schemes
Government concessions can create valuable opportunities for buyers, but navigating the details of eligibility, financing structures, and property timing can sometimes be complex.
A mortgage broker can help buyers maximise these opportunities by assisting with:
- Structuring deposits and loan strategies
- Understanding eligibility requirements for WA stamp duty concessions
- Comparing lenders and loan products
- Combining multiple incentives such as first home buyer schemes and grants
By working with a broker, buyers can ensure they fully understand their options before committing to a property purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions About WA Stamp Duty Concessions
Who qualifies for the WA off-the-plan stamp duty concession?
Eligibility depends on the purchase type, property value, and whether the property qualifies as an off-the-plan or under-construction development. Buyers purchasing eligible properties within the defined price thresholds may receive full or partial stamp duty concessions.
How much stamp duty can buyers save in Western Australia?
The amount saved depends on the purchase price of the property. In some cases, buyers purchasing eligible off-the-plan homes valued under $800,000 may receive a full stamp duty exemption, potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars.
Does the concession apply to investors?
Eligibility rules may vary depending on the structure of the purchase and the program guidelines. Some concessions are targeted toward owner-occupiers, while others may apply to different buyer types depending on the circumstances.
Do townhouses qualify for the stamp duty concession?
Yes. The expanded program now includes survey-strata developments, which means certain townhouses, villas, duplex, and triplex developments may qualify for the concession.
Can the stamp duty concession be combined with other government grants?
In some situations, buyers may be able to combine stamp duty concessions with other programs such as first home buyer incentives or grants, depending on eligibility requirements.
When does the WA stamp duty concession program end?
The expanded program is currently scheduled to run until 30 June 2028, giving buyers several years to take advantage of the updated concessions.
Thinking About Buying in WA?
If you’re considering purchasing property in Western Australia, it may be worth exploring whether the WA stamp duty concession for off-the-plan homes could apply to your situation.
Our team can help you understand:
- Potential stamp duty savings
- Deposit strategies for different property types
- Loan options suited to your financial goals