FIRST HOME BUYERS

What benefits are available?

Eligible First Home Buyers in Western Australia are entitled to a number of financial benefits to assist them with getting into their own home including:

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

The First Home Owner Grant is currently $10,000 and available to those who build or purchase a brand new property up to $800,000. The funds may be claimed both prior to or following settlement.

For further information please see the Office of State Revenue (OSR) fact sheet.

First Home Owner Rate of Duty

First home buyers purchasing an established home under $600,000 are completely exempt from paying stamp duty, a significant saving. They also receive a discounted rate up to $800,000. If purchasing above this limit full duty is payable.

An exemption also applies when purchasing vacant land under $450,000, with a discounted rate up to a block value of $550,000.

For further information please see the Office of State Revenue (OSR) fact sheet.

Home Buyers Assistance Account (HBAA)

The scheme provides a grant of up to $2,000 to cover incidental expenses of first home buyers purchasing an established or partially built home through a licensed real estate agent where the purchase price is under $500,000. Note the funds are only available following settlement.

More information on the HBAA is available on the Consumer Protection website.

Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme

The Australian Federal Government's 5% Deposit Scheme is designed to support eligible first home buyers, and those who have not owned property for 10 years or more, purchase a home sooner.

It does this by providing a guarantee that allows eligible applicants to purchase a home with a deposit of as little as 5%, without the need to pay Lender's Mortgage Insurance.

Eligibility criteria includes:

Maximum purchase price of $850,000 for Perth and $600,000 for the rest of WA
Must be Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident
Able to demonstrate 5% genuine savings
Purchasing a property for owner occupation

Note this scheme is only offered through certain lenders.

You can access the latest factsheets and information here.

If you are located outside of Western Australia please see http://www.firsthome.gov.au for further information about benefits offered in your state.

Inca Mortgage Solutions specialises in assisting first home buyers throughout the entire purchase process. From working out your purchase budget, to making an offer then applying for a mortgage and accessing first home owner benefits.

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